[Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme in human pregnancy. 15 cases]

Angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors cross the placenta and modify the maternal, foetal and utero-placental renin-angiotensin system. Eight cases of pregnancy in women taking captopril have been published, 7 other cases being reported in this review paper. There were one spontaneous and 2 therapeutic abortions, one of which disclosed a malformation of uncertain diagnosis and imputation. One intrauterine death at 28 weeks was probably due to the severity of the maternal disease. Two children born to mothers also treated with frusemide died of neonatal anuria. Delivery or caesarean section occurred before term in 8 cases, and there were 3 cases of neonatal respiratory distress with a favourable outcome. Finally, one mother gave birth at term to twins of normal weight. The cases with respiratory distress can be attributed to the mother's hypertension, to prematurity and/or to concomitant treatment with beta-blockers, while the cases with anuria seem to be due to inhibition of the effects of angiotensin on renal haemodynamics, with salt depression as a possible aggravating factor. Treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors does not seem to warrant therapeutic abortion. However, these drugs are contra-indicated in pregnancy and should only be given to women wishing to become pregnant if they present with resistant and dangerous arterial hypertension. A programme of pharmacovigilance is being set up to follow up such pregnancies.