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Published in: CNS Drugs 10/2012

01-10-2012 | Current Opinion

Further Findings Linking SSRIs During Pregnancy and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Clinical Implications

Authors: Dr Megan Galbally, Salvatore Gentile, Andrew J. Lewis

Published in: CNS Drugs | Issue 10/2012

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Abstract

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a rare but potentially life-threatening neonatal condition. Several authors have suggested that late pregnancy exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may increase the risk of PPHN. This association has been investigated in seven published studies that have shown mixed findings based on diverse methods. Several methodological limitations may account for the diversity of findings, which include, in some studies, a lack of control for well established risk factors for PPHN. The methodological improvement in the most recent study tentatively suggests that infants prenatally exposed to SSRIs are approximately twice as likely to suffer PPHN. Further research on the biological mechanisms involved is required. Clinicians should consider late pregnancy exposure to SSRIs as one of several possible risks for PPHN, which has implications for both prescribing SSRIs to pregnant women and for neonatal care of SSRI-exposed infants.
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Metadata
Title
Further Findings Linking SSRIs During Pregnancy and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Clinical Implications
Authors
Dr Megan Galbally
Salvatore Gentile
Andrew J. Lewis
Publication date
01-10-2012
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
CNS Drugs / Issue 10/2012
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/11630310-000000000-00000

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