Gastroschisis and pseudoephedrine during pregnancy.

Abstract

(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.

• Journal: Prescrire international (Prescrire Int) Vol. 13 Issue 72 Pg. 141-3 (Aug 2004) ISSN: 1167-7422 [Print] France
• PMID: 15532139 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic Agents
• Nonprescription Drugs
• Teratogens
• Vasoconstrictor Agents
• Acetaminophen
• Ephedrine

Topics

• Abnormalities, Drug-Induced (etiology)
• Acetaminophen (adverse effects)
• Adrenergic Agents (adverse effects)
• Case-Control Studies
• Ephedrine (adverse effects)
• Female
• Gastroschisis (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Maternal-Fetal Exchange
• Nonprescription Drugs (adverse effects)
• Odds Ratio
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications (drug therapy)
• Pregnancy Trimester, First
• Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
• Teratogens
• Vasoconstrictor Agents (adverse effects)