Gastroschisis and pseudoephedrine during pregnancy.
(1) Gastroschisis is a severe defect in the closure of the abdominal wall in newborns. The incidence seems to be increasing. (2) Three case-control studies have examined pseudoephedrine exposure among mothers of children born with gastroschisis. The evidence is weak but consistent. In two studies, pseudoephedrine exposure was associated with a significant odds ratio. In the most recent study, the risk of gastroschisis was increased 4.2-fold among women taking the pseudoephedrine-paracetamol combination (95% confidence interval 1.9-9.2). Paracetamol is not known to cause this malformation. (3) Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic vasoconstrictor contained in many over-the-counter oral decongestants sold in France. (4) In practice, it is best to avoid prescribing, dispensing or using preparations containing pseudoephedrine during pregnancy.
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects; D018663:Adrenergic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004809:Ephedrine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D020139:Gastroschisis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D013723:Teratogens; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000009:adverse effects
D018663:Adrenergic Agents; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D013723:Teratogens; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D000082:Acetaminophen; D004809:Ephedrine