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Renal teratogens

Thomas M Morgan1, Deborah P Jones2, William O Cooper3

  • 1Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2200 Children's Way, 6120 Doctor's Office Tower, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology
|August 27, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal drug exposure can harm fetal kidney development and function, potentially causing long-term health issues. More research is needed to understand and manage these risks for pregnant individuals and their children.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • In utero drug exposure can impact fetal kidney development.
  • Exposure timing influences potential renal effects, affecting nephrogenesis or the renin-angiotensin system.

Observation:

  • Limited data exist to guide clinical decisions on drug use during pregnancy.
  • The study of drug-induced kidney damage in fetuses (nephroteratogenicity) lacks a systematic, global approach.

Findings:

  • Early pregnancy drug exposure may impair nephrogenesis (kidney formation).
  • Late pregnancy exposure can affect the fetal renin-angiotensin system, impacting renal function.
  • Reduced nephron number and function may lead to later-life adverse health consequences.

Implications:

  • There is a critical need for a standardized, large-scale, global effort to assess renal risks associated with prenatal drug exposure.
  • Improved understanding will aid healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding medication use during pregnancy.
Keywords:
Drug safetyKidney developmentPregnancyTeratogens

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