title: Statins in pregnancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of statins in women of reproductive age to prevent adverse cardiovascular events is on the rise. This is attributed to an increase in metabolic risk factors such as obesity, raised lipids, diabetes and high blood pressure. Statins are contraindicated in pregnancy because of the perceived increased risk of congenital abnormalities to the foetus. We evaluated the evidence, including published reviews and primary studies, on the safety of statins in pregnancy and assessed the benefits to the mother.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The risk of major congenital abnormalities from exposure to statins in pregnancy is similar to the background risk of the population. No specific pattern of abnormalities was observed. Existing studies are small with limitations in their quality. Preliminary evidence suggests a beneficial role for statins in preventing preeclampsia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is no evidence to demonstrate that use of statins in pregnancy increases the risk of foetal abnormalities. The findings were limited by the poor quality and reporting of existing studies.
authors.affiliation: aWomen's Health Unit, Barts Health NHS Trust bWomen's Health Research Unit, Barts and the London SMD, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Suzanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.forename: Shakila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thangaratinam
mesh_terms: D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000139:chemically induced*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors