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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
The first review on prenatal drug exposure and ocular malformation occurrence
Charlotte Dubucs1,2, Julie Plaisancié3, Monique Courtade-Saidi1
1Département d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse Oncopole, Toulouse, France.
Abstract:
Even though a non-negligible portion of congenital eye anomalies has a clear genetic origin, an etiology is not found for most patients. Prenatal medication exposure is recognized to be involved in fetal malformations and several medications are specifically known to alter eye morphogenesis during embryonic development leading to congenital eye defects. We explored and reviewed the role of medications described in the genesis of ocular malformations, a role that has been little evaluated and probably still underestimated especially since several studies have shown the wide exposure of pregnant women to medication. We present our results in two sections; the first describes medications reported to be associated with ocular malformations in humans; the second details medications responsible for ocular malformations in animal models. We have summarized these results in tables, providing a relevant tool for clinicians. As most of the associations between medication exposure and congenital eye defects are either old or single case reports, this study highlights the needs for high epidemiological vigilance, accurate clinical description as well as a combination of studies on human genetics and experimental studies. Since medication exposures are potentially modifiable risk factors for congenital anomalies, this represents an important opportunity to implement preventive measures.
Insights
Prenatal medication exposure can cause congenital eye defects, even when genetic causes aren't identified. This review highlights medications linked to ocular malformations in humans and animals, emphasizing the need for vigilance and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Teratology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Congenital eye anomalies often lack a clear genetic etiology.
- Prenatal medication exposure is a known factor in fetal malformations.
- Medications can specifically disrupt embryonic eye development, causing defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and explore the role of medications in the genesis of ocular malformations.
- To evaluate the underestimated impact of prenatal medication exposure on eye development.
- To provide a clinical tool for identifying medication-associated risks.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of medications linked to ocular malformations in humans.
- Review of medications causing ocular malformations in animal models.
- Summarization of findings in tabular format for clinical use.
Main Results:
- Identified human medications associated with congenital eye defects.
- Detailed animal model studies of medication-induced ocular malformations.
- Highlighted that many associations are based on old or single case reports.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal medication exposure is a significant, potentially modifiable risk factor for congenital eye anomalies.
- There is a need for increased epidemiological vigilance and accurate clinical descriptions.
- Combined human genetic and experimental studies are crucial for understanding these risks and implementing preventive measures.
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