Prolonged exposure to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors during pregnancy. Fetal toxicity could be reversible.
OBJECTIVE
I read in a Motherisk Update that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are contraindicated during pregnancy. Many women, however, do not know they are pregnant for quite some time after conception. One of my patients was taking ACE inhibitors for 3 to 4 months while she was pregnant. How should I advise her?


CONCLUSIONS
The deleterious effects ACE inhibitors have on fetuses were seen only after exposure during the second and third trimesters and were mostly secondary to renal damage. These effects can be reversed, as described in this Motherisk Update.
Shrim
A
A
Berger
H
H
Kingdom
J
J
Hamoudi
A
A
Shah
P S
PS
Koren
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016104:Oligohydramnios / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017257:Ramipril / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D017257:Ramipril