Prenatal exposure to serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Two premature twins (33 weeks gestation) were born to a woman who had used paroxetine during pregnancy for an anxiety-depression disorder. They were admitted to the NICU, where they showed prolonged RDS, cardiovascular malformations, and facial dysmorphisms. Soon...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Solinas Agostina, Ubaldini Elisabetta, Marsella Maria, Guerrini Pietro
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2010-03-01
Series:Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Online Access:http://www.ijponline.net/content/36/1/27
Description
Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Two premature twins (33 weeks gestation) were born to a woman who had used paroxetine during pregnancy for an anxiety-depression disorder. They were admitted to the NICU, where they showed prolonged RDS, cardiovascular malformations, and facial dysmorphisms. Soon after birth, they also presented abnormal neurobehavioral and motor signs, which partially disappeared during the following weeks, although alterations of tone persisted even at discharge.</p> <p>Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are considered the primary treatments for depression and anxiety in pregnancy. Since intrauterine exposure to these drugs has been associated with poor neonatal adaptation, low birth weight, RDS, neurobehavioural symptoms, and potential teratogenic effects, further studies are needed to assess risks and mechanism of action of SSRIs. Meanwhile, it is advisable to evaluate for each patient the real risk/benefit ratio of continuing or suspending treatment during pregnancy.</p>
ISSN:1720-8424
1824-7288