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Antimalarial drugs and pregnancy
1Division of Rheumatic Diseases, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington 06032.
The American Journal of Medicine
|October 14, 1988
Summary
Antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can be safely used during pregnancy. Continuing these medications may prevent disease flares and pregnancy loss in women with autoimmune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- The safety of 4-aminoquinoline drugs (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine) during pregnancy is debated.
- These drugs cross the placenta and have been linked to potential fetal abnormalities.
- Some evidence suggests safe use in managing connective tissue diseases during gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and outcomes of continuous antimalarial drug use throughout pregnancy.
- To assess the risk of fetal abnormalities and pregnancy success with 4-aminoquinoline exposure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of eight patients with 14 pregnancies.
- Continuous use of antimalarial drugs throughout gestation was analyzed.
- Pregnancy outcomes were compared between periods of disease activity and non-activity.
Main Results:
- Eleven pregnancies with continuous antimalarial drug exposure resulted in six normal full-term deliveries.
- No congenital abnormalities were observed in any of the live births.
- Three pregnancies during active disease periods resulted in unsuccessful outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Continuous use of antimalarial drugs during pregnancy is possible with normal live births.
- Discontinuing antimalarials in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus may pose a higher risk of disease flare and pregnancy loss.
- The benefits of continuing therapy may outweigh potential fetal risks.