title: ACE inhibitor fetopathy: a case series and survey of opinion amongst New Zealand paediatricians, obstetricians, neonatologists, and nephrologists.
abstract: The use of ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors is contraindicated throughout pregnancy due to potential adverse effects to the developing fetus (fetopathy). Despite this, women continue to receive ACE inhibitors both in New Zealand and overseas and large scale epidemiological studies have shown cases of associated harm to infants.  We present three New Zealand infants with potential renal complications following in utero ACE inhibitor exposure including hypertension, renal failure and death. We also present data from an email-based survey of experience and opinion from relevant New Zealand specialists on how to best counsel women of child-bearing age regarding ACE inhibitors (quantitative and qualitative data). To our knowledge this is the first data published on this subject in New Zealand. ACE inhibitor exposure in pregnancy may result in potential renal, cardiac and limb complications for the developing fetus. How best to counsel women regarding ACE inhibitors and pregnancy remains an area for further discussion in New Zealand.
authors.affiliation: Starship Children's Health, Private Bag 92024, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. ManeeshD@adhb.govt.nz
authors.forename: Maneesh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Deva
authors.forename: Tonya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kara
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D009520:New Zealand; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors