Risk of drug-induced congenital defects.
Defects attributable to drug therapy represent about 1% of congenital defects of known aetiology. This means that a precautionary attitude and correct use of drugs in fertile, and especially pregnant, women is a feasible form of prevention. Drugs currently in use with proven teratogenic effect number approximately 25, but new pharmaceutical drugs are constantly in preparation. Recognition of a drug-induced teratogenic effect is a complex procedure taking into account not only experimental animal data but also experience in humans. Considering that 40% of pregnancies are not planned, it follows that any drug with known or suspected teratogenic potential must be used only under strict medical control. Also, adequate knowledge on potential teratogenicity of a drug permits modification of therapy before conception. It goes without saying that any drug should be used during pregnancy only if it is essential, and it would be prudent to use only those where adequate information is provided and prior clinical experience is available. Teratology Information Services can assist both physicians and patients when any doubt exists.
De Santis
Marco
M
Telefono Rosso-Teratology Information Service, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Catholic University Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome 00168, Italy. marcodesantis@rm.unicatt.it
Straface
Gianluca
G
Carducci
Brigida
B
Cavaliere
Anna Franca
AF
De Santis
Lidia
L
Lucchese
Angela
A
Merola
Anna Maria
AM
Caruso
Alessandro
A
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012307:Risk Factors; D013723:Teratogens / Q000494:pharmacology
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D013723:Teratogens