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Published on: November 8, 2015
Ciclosporin use during pregnancy
Karolina Paziana1, Magaly Del Monaco, Elyce Cardonick
1Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Drug Safety
|March 22, 2013
Summary
Ciclosporin (cyclosporine) use in pregnancy, particularly post-transplant, is linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Careful consideration is needed for women with autoimmune diseases refractory to other treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Ciclosporin is a vital immunosuppressant for organ transplant recipients and treats various autoimmune conditions.
- Pregnancy necessitates careful medication management, especially for immunosuppressants vital for maternal health or preventing transplant rejection.
- Limited data exists on ciclosporin's safety during pregnancy, particularly for autoimmune disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review existing literature on ciclosporin exposure in pregnant women.
- To assess potential risks and benefits of ciclosporin therapy during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Database for English-language articles (1970-2012).
- Included studies reporting ciclosporin exposure in pregnant women at any stage of gestation.
- Focused on outcomes in post-transplant pregnancies and those with autoimmune disorders.
Main Results:
- Ciclosporin use in pregnancy, especially post-transplant, is associated with premature delivery and low birth weight infants.
- Increased incidence of comorbidities like hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus observed.
- Data for autoimmune disorders is limited to case reports, making it hard to distinguish drug effects from maternal conditions.
Conclusions:
- Ciclosporin therapy during pregnancy requires careful physician consideration.
- It may be a viable, safe alternative for autoimmune diseases resistant to standard treatments.
- Ongoing monitoring is crucial for understanding risks associated with pregnancy exposure.
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