Follow-up of infants exposed to hydroxychloroquine given to mothers during pregnancy and lactation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of hydroxychloroquine treatment during pregnancy and lactation on babies of mothers affected by rheumatic diseases.


METHODS
A total of 40 infants born from mothers affected by rheumatic diseases and treated with hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Main outcome measures at birth were incidence of prematurity, congenital malformations and neonatal infections. Of these babies, including 13 who were breast-fed, 24 were followed up during early infancy for visual function and neurodevelopmental outcome.


RESULTS
Preterm delivery was the main complication (20.5%). No significant congenital malformations or neonatal infections were detected. All infants, including those who were breast-fed, had normal visual function and neurodevelopmental outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydroxychloroquine treatment during gestation and lactation appeared to be safe. The relatively high incidence of preterm deliveries may reflect the maternal disease state.
Motta
Mario
M
Division of Neonatology and NICU (M.M., A.M., G.C.), Spedali Civili - Brescia, Italy.
Tincani
Angela
A
Faden
David
D
Zinzini
Enrica
E
Lojacono
Andrea
A
Marchesi
Alessandra
A
Frassi
Micol
M
Biasini
Chiara
C
Zatti
Sonia
S
Chirico
Gaetano
G
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine