Taking ACE inhibitors during early pregnancy: is it safe?
OBJECTIVE
I knew that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were risky to use during late pregnancy because they can cause renal shutdown in the fetus. Recently I heard of a study that claimed first-trimester exposure (when many patients still are unaware of their pregnancies) can also cause major malformations. Is this proven?


CONCLUSIONS
A recent study did suggest an increased risk of malformations after first-trimester exposure to ACE inhibitors among women treated for hypertension. We believe this study had serious limitations that preclude drawing any conclusions at present.
Ray
Joel G
JG
Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Vermeulen
Marian J
MJ
Koren
Gideon
G
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First / Q000187:drug effects*; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents