Gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy

Helicobacter pylori infection in pregnant women: Gastrointestinal symptoms and pregnancy- related disorders

Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) is a gram-negative, flagellated and spiral-shaped bacterial pathogen that impacts approximately 46% among pregnant women globally and has been associated with various maternal-fetal complications. Iron deficiency anemia, fetal growth restriction, cardiovascular diseases, and insufficient nutrient absorption can be observed in pregnant women, as well as miscarriages and pregnancy-specific hypertensive disease, such as pre-eclampsia. Thus, the evidence supports the influence of H. pylori infection on fetal implantation/placentation failure, and positive strains of the cytotoxin-associated gene A of H. Pylori were reported as the most prevalent in these conditions. However, current knowledge indicates a relationship between this infection and the occurrence of hyperemesis gravidarum, characterized by frequent nausea and vomiting. Regarding the diagnosis of this bacterial infection, non-invasive approaches such as stool antigen test, urea breath test, and serological tests are more accepted during pregnancy, as they are easy to carry out and cost-effective. Finally, the bacteria eradication therapy should consider the risks and benefits for the pregnant woman and her child, with pharmacological intervention depending on the clinical presentation.

Evidence-based treatment recommendations for gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy: A review

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs in approximately two-thirds of all pregnancies. Around 25% of pregnant women experience heartburn daily. Symptomatic GERD usually presents in the first trimester and progresses throughout pregnancy. The treatment goal is to alleviate heartburn and regurgitation without jeopardizing the pregnancy or its outcome. An English language electronic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Reviews was undertaken to identify randomized controlled trials, observational studies, management recommendations and reviews of GERD and its treatment during pregnancy. The search period was defined by the date of inception of each database. The treatment in a pregnant GERD patient should follow the step-up approach, starting with lifestyle modification as the first step. If heartburn is severe, medication should be started after consultation with a physician (Recommendation Grade C). The preferred choice of antacids is calcium-containing antacids (Recommendation Grade A). If symptoms persist with antacids Sucralfate can be introduced at a 1g oral tablet, 3 times daily (Recommendation Grade C). Followed by histamine-2 receptor antagonist (Recommendation Grade B). Inadequate control while on histamine-2 receptor antagonist and antacid may mandate a step-up to proton pump inhibitors along with antacids as rescue medication for breakthrough GERD (Recommendation Grade C). This article presented the treatment recommendations for pregnant women with typical GERD, based on the best available evidence.

Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management

Heartburn and acid regurgitation are the typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Despite the availability of several treatment options, antacids remain the mainstay treatment for gastroesophageal reflux-related symptoms based on their efficacy, safety, and over-the-counter availability. Antacids are generally recommended for adults and children at least 12 years old, and the FDA recommends antacids as the first-line treatment for heartburn in pregnancy. This narrative review summarizes the mechanism, features, and limitations related to different antacid ingredients and techniques available to study the acid neutralization and buffering capacity of antacid formulations. Using supporting clinical evidence for different antacid ingredients, it also discusses the importance of antacids as OTC medicines and first-line therapies for heartburn, particularly in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, in which reliance on self-care has increased. The review will also assist pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in helping individuals with heartburn to make informed self-care decisions and educating them to ensure that antacids are used in an optimal, safe, and effective manner.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Pregnancy

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects a significant percentage of the general population and is more common in women. A large proportion of women affected with IBS are of childbearing age; however, there is a paucity of studies and guidelines to specifically address the epidemiology, course, maternal/fetal prognosis, or management of IBS in pregnancy. This scarcity of literature on IBS and pregnancy poses significant challenges to healthcare providers in counseling and managing patients. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the current literature and knowledge gaps regarding the effects of pregnancy on IBS and vice versa, along with the efficacy and safety profiles of commonly used IBS diets and medications in pregnancy. The management of pregnant women with IBS should be multidisciplinary, with emphasis on education and judicious use of dietary modifications and pharmacologic options that are deemed relatively safe during pregnancy.

Letter: safety of proton pump inhibitors during pregnancy-authors' reply

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Li et al and Acar et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15610 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15914

Systematic review with meta-analysis: the risks of proton pump inhibitors during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

There have been safety concerns considering long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, also during pregnancy.

AIMS

To assess the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes associated with maternal intake of PPIs by means of systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The systematic search included PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Database and Embase (inception until June 2019). All studies reporting ≥1 adverse pregnancy outcome comparing PPI users to non-users. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) were also compared to both non-users and PPI users. Outcomes included congenital malformations, abortion, stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm birth, small for gestational age and low birth weight. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained by random-effects modelling. PROSPERO study-protocol: CRD42018103320.

RESULTS

In total, 26 observational studies (20 cohort, 6 case-control studies) were identified, of which 19 assessed PPIs and 12 H2RA. PPI use was associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09-1.52), especially in case-control studies (OR 2.04, 1.46-2.86). No associations were found between H2RA and congenital malformations. No significant associations were found between PPI use and abortions, stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm birth and low-birth weight, although H2RA use may be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.56). Although statistical heterogeneity and the risk of bias were overall low, clinical heterogeneity, information and selection bias may be present in the individual studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests an association between maternal PPI use and congenital malformations in humans, yet power was insufficient to assess specific malformations and drugs.

Review article: the management of heartburn during pregnancy and lactation

BACKGROUND

Gestational reflux is common, affecting up to 80% of pregnant women. Most symptoms will abate during lactation. During both of these periods, interventions used to relieve symptoms focus on a "step-up" methodology with progressive intensification of treatment. This begins with lifestyle modifications.

AIM

To provide guidance in the treatment of reflux in pregnancy and lactation, as well as briefly summarising the pathogenesis, clinical presentation and diagnostic workup.

METHODS

A comprehensive search, using online databases PubMed and MEDLINE, along with relevant manuscripts published in English between 1966 and 2019 was used. All abstracts were screened, potentially relevant articles were researched, and bibliographies were reviewed.

RESULTS

Only a small percentage of relevant drugs are contraindicated for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However, not all drug agents have been extensively evaluated in pregnant women or during the breastfeeding period. Antacids, alginates, and sucralfate are the first-line therapeutic agents. If symptoms persist, any of the H₂ RAs can be used except for nizatidine (due to foetal teratogenicity or harm in animal studies). PPIs are reserved for women with intractable symptoms or complicated GERD; all are FDA category B drugs, except for omeprazole, which is a category C drug.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of heartburn during pregnancy and lactation begins with lifestyle modifications. In situations where disease severity increases, medical providers must discuss risks and benefits of these medicines with the patient in detail.

Common Bacterial and Viral Infections: Review of Management in the Pregnant Patient

OBJECTIVE

To review the treatment of common bacterial and viral infections occurring in the pregnant patient.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search of MEDLINE was performed (inception to October 2018). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website was utilized for additional information.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Relevant English-language studies and those conducted in humans were considered.

DATA SYNTHESIS

β-Lactams alone or in combination are the preferred treatment for many common infections in pregnancy, such as urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), gonococcal infections, syphilis, chancroid, upper- and lower-respiratory-tract infections, certain gastrointestinal infections, Group B Streptococcus, listeriosis, and intrauterine inflammation or infection. Macrolides, particularly azithromycin, are also utilized for the treatment of PID, chlamydia, gonococcal infections, chancroid, community-acquired pneumonia, and certain gastrointestinal infections. Other antibiotics or antivirals such as vancomycin, aminoglycosides, metronidazole, nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, acyclovir, valacyclovir, and oseltamivir are included in the preferred therapy for some common bacterial and viral infections in pregnant patients as well. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review synthesizes available evidence of treatments of common infections in pregnancy and provides a concise summary to guide clinicians on empirical treatment during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

There are limited data on clinical outcomes in pregnant patients with common bacterial and viral infections. Empirical management decisions require balance of benefit and risk to both mother and infant. Although few clinical practice guidelines have quality evidence for strong recommendations in this population, clinicians should weigh antimicrobial dosing, pharmacokinetics, safety, and established effectiveness to optimize antimicrobial therapy in pregnancy.

Gastrointestinal diseases during pregnancy: what does the gastroenterologist need to know?

Pregnancy is characterized by numerous physiological changes that may lead to a diversity of symptoms and frequently to gastrointestinal complaints, such as heartburn, nausea and vomiting, or constipation. Chronic gastrointestinal diseases require treatment maintenance during this period, raising the challenging question whether outcomes beneficial to the mother may be harmful for the fetus. In addition, certain diseases, such as acute fatty liver of pregnancy, only develop during pregnancy and may require urgent procedures, such as fetus delivery. Even though they are not present in our day-to-day practice, knowledge of pregnancy-related diseases is fundamental and collaboration between gastroenterologists and obstetricians is often necessary. Herein, we review pregnancy-related diseases and systematize the most appropriate treatment choices according to the recent literature and guidelines, so that the article can serve as a guide to the gastroenterologist regarding the medical approach to pregnancy-related gastrointestinal and liver diseases and their therapeutic management.

Occurrence of 44 elements in human cord blood and their association with growth indicators in newborns

There is growing concern about environmental pollution produced by elements, including "emerging" contaminants, such as rare earth elements (REE) and other trace elements (TE), which are extensively and increasingly employed in the manufacture of consumer electronics. Previous research has shown that prenatal exposure to some elements (mainly heavy metals) may be associated with decreased fetal growth and other adverse birth outcomes. Recent studies have also shown that environmental exposure to REE and TE may be related to adverse effects on human health. This cross-sectional study, which included nearly 92% of the births in 2016 in La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain; n = 471), aimed to evaluate the potential adverse health effects exerted by a wide range of elements on newborns. We quantified the levels of 44 elements (including 26 REE and TE) in their umbilical cord blood. Our results showed low or very low levels of most elements. We found an inverse association between antimony (Sb) and birth weight (Spearman's r = -0.106, p = 0.021). A similar trend was observed between nickel (Ni) and birth weight and between chromium (Cr) and birth length, although in this case the significance was borderline. Bismuth appeared as a risk factor for having a birth weight below the tenth percentile in the univariate (OR = 3.30; 95% CI = 1.25-8.78; p = 0.017) and multivariate analyses (OR = 5.20; 95% CI = 1.29-20.91; p = 0.020). When assessing the effect of element mixtures, the sum of Cr, Ni, and Sb appeared as a risk factor for having a birth weight below the tenth percentile in the univariate (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.08-5.35; p = 0.031) and multivariate analyses (OR = 3.84; 95% CI = 1.42-10.39; p = 0.008). Our findings suggest that some inorganic elements-isolated or in mixture-are associated to a lower fetal growth. Additional research is needed to understand the role of inorganic pollutants on fetal development.

Updates on Women's Health Issues in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Inflammatory bowel disease affects approximately 800,000 women in the USA with the peak incidence between ages 15 to 40. Thus for many females, IBD can impact nearly every stage of their life from menarche to pregnancy, menopause, and beyond. This paper will review the most recent updates on the topics of sexual health, cervical cancer screening, menstruation, fertility, contraception, and menopause.

RECENT FINDINGS

Menarche can be delayed in females especially those who are underweight, malnourished, or with active inflammatory bowel disease. Cyclical GI symptoms during a menstrual cycle are very common in women with IBD and should not be confused with flares. Overall fertility is similar to the general population unless females with IBD have had significant abdominal surgery but reassuringly this infertility appears to be restored with the use of in vitro fertilization. Discussion regarding family planning is imperative in women with IBD with a strong recommendation to consider long-acting highly effective contraceptives such as intrauterine devices or implants. Cervical cancer screening should be tailored in women on immunosuppressive medications and all women under 26 years of age should be advised to receive the human papilloma virus vaccination. As gastroenterologists will have longitudinal relationships with their female IBD patients, they must be knowledgeable about sex-specific issues during each stage of life from puberty to after menopause to optimize their patient's care.

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy - What's new?

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is one of the most common disorders of pregnancy. The symptoms occur predominantly during the first trimester, although in a subgroup of patients they can continue throughout the entire pregnancy and can affect the woman's quality of life. A small percentage of women develop a severe form of NVP called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) that if left untreated may lead to significant maternal morbidity and adverse birth outcomes. Overall, the morbidity in pregnant women with NVP is significant, although it tends to be underestimated. The pathogenesis of NVP remains unclear, but there is consensus that the disorder is multifactorial and that various genetic, endocrine and infectious factors may be involved. The treatment of NVP can be challenging as the optimal targets for therapy are not known. Currently, the therapy used depends on the severity of the disorder and it is focused on improving the symptoms while minimizing risks to mother and fetus. Therapies range from dietary changes, pharmacologic treatment or hospitalization with intravenous fluid replacement and nutrition therapy. The aims of this review are 1) to provide an overview of NVP, 2) to present possible links between the most important factors associated with the pathogenesis of NVP and 3) to discuss the effectiveness and safety of the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options available to treat this disorder.

Low Risk of Birth Defects for Infants Whose Mothers Are Treated With Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Agents During Pregnancy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Safety data on anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment during pregnancy are limited. We studied the risk of birth defects after anti-TNF treatment in early pregnancy.

METHODS

We collected data on 1,272,424 live-born infants identified from the Danish (2004-2012) and Swedish (2006-2012) population-based health registers. We determined the prevalence of birth defects among infants born to women with chronic inflammatory disease (inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, or psoriasis), with (n = 683) and without (n = 21,549) anti-TNF treatment during early pregnancy, and in the general population. We compared the risk of any major birth defect and birth defect by organ system for infants born to women with chronic inflammatory disease, with and without anti-TNF treatment. Risks were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We adjusted for maternal age, parity, smoking, body mass index, multiple gestation, country, and chronic inflammatory diagnosis.

RESULTS

Birth defects were more prevalent among infants born to women with chronic inflammatory disease, regardless of anti-TNF treatment status, than in the general population (4.8% vs 4.2%). Birth defects occurred in 43 of the infants born to the 683 women who received anti-TNF treatment (6.3%), and 1019 of the infants born to women with chronic inflammatory disease (4.7%). The OR for any defect in women receiving anti-TNF therapy was 1.32 (95% CI, 0.93-1.82); the OR for a cardiovascular defect was 1.60 (95% CI, 0.93-2.58), and the OR for a urinary defect was 2.22 (95% CI, 0.86-4.71).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on an analysis of data from the health registries in Denmark and Sweden, women who received anti-TNF agents during pregnancy had a slightly (but not significantly) higher risk of having children with birth defects. Although larger studies are needed, the heterogeneity of the observed birth defects did not indicate a common etiology.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Increases Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease may place women at greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

AIM

To examine the association between inflammatory bowel disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes: preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA) birth weight, congenital anomalies, and stillbirth.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published from January 1980 through February 2014 and reference lists of relevant studies. We reviewed 1748 citations and identified studies evaluating outcomes of pregnancies complicated by inflammatory bowel disease. Selected studies evaluated one or more of the outcomes of interest, were in English, and gave sufficient details to perform meta-analysis. Three investigators independently reviewed articles for inclusion; discordant decisions were resolved by team review and consensus. Twenty-three studies that included 15,007 women with inflammatory bowel disease (5449 Crohn's, 6559 ulcerative colitis) and 4,614,271 controls met selection criteria. Random-effects analytical methods were used to generate pooled odds ratios.

RESULTS

We found an increased odds of the outcomes studied among women with inflammatory bowel disease compared with non-diseased controls: 1.85 for preterm birth (22 studies; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.67-2.05), 1.36 for SGA birth weight (13 studies; 95 % CI 1.16-1.60), 1.57 for stillbirth (10 studies; 95 % CI 1.03-2.38), and 1.29 for congenital anomalies (11 studies; 95 % CI 1.05-1.58). The latter result, however, may be unreliable secondary to publication bias.

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory bowel disease may increase the odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Helicobacter pylori and pregnancy-related disorders

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is investigated in gastric diseases even during pregnancy. In particular, this Gram-negative bacterium seems to be associated with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. During the last decade, the relationship among H. pylori and several extra-gastric diseases strongly emerged in literature. The correlation among H. pylori infection and pregnancy-related disorders was mainly focused on iron deficiency anemia, thrombocytopenia, fetal malformations, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. H. pylori infection may have a role in the pathogenesis of various pregnancy-related disorders through different mechanisms: depletion of micronutrients (iron and vitamin B₁₂) in maternal anemia and fetal neural tube defects; local or systemic induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines release and oxidative stress in gastrointestinal disorders and pre-eclampsia; cross-reaction between specific anti-H. pylori antibodies and antigens localized in placental tissue and endothelial cells (pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, miscarriage). Since H. pylori infection is most likely acquired before pregnancy, it is widely believed that hormonal and immunological changes occurring during pregnancy could activate latent H. pylori with a negative impact not only on maternal health (nutritional deficiency, organ injury, death), but also on the fetus (insufficient growth, malformation, death) and sometime consequences can be observed later in life. Another important issue addressed by investigators was to determine whether it is possible to transmit H. pylori infection from mother to child and whether maternal anti-H. pylori antibodies could prevent infant’s infection. Studies on novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for H. pylori are no less important, since these are particularly sensitive topics in pregnancy conditions. It could be interesting to study the possible correlation between H. pylori infection and other pregnancy-related diseases of unknown etiology, such as gestational diabetes mellitus, obstetric cholestasis and spontaneous preterm delivery. Since H. pylori infection is treatable, the demonstration of its causative role in pregnancy-related disorders will have important social-economic implications.

Prenatal exposure to acid-suppressive drugs and the risk of childhood asthma: a population-based Danish cohort study

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may activate the immune system and cause asthma.

AIM

To investigate the association of prenatal exposure to PPIs and histamine 2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) with risk of asthma.

METHODS

In this cohort study, 197,060 singletons born between 1996 and 2008 in northern Denmark were followed until the end of 2009. Data were obtained through Danish medical registries. Asthma in offspring was defined as at least two prescriptions of both a β-agonist and an inhaled glucocorticoid and/or a hospital diagnosis of asthma during the follow-up. Cox proportional-hazard regression was used to compute incidence rate ratios, adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 2238 (1.1%) children were prenatally exposed to PPIs and 24,506 (12.4%) children developed asthma during follow-up (median follow-up = 6.8 years). The adjusted IRR (aIRR) of asthma associated with prenatal exposure to PPIs was 1.41 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-1.56), compared with those unexposed. The association did not vary by trimester of exposure, and prenatal exposure to H2RAs was associated with similar increase in risk. The aIRR for maternal PPI and H2RA use in the year after, but not during pregnancy was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.20-1.46) and 1.13 (0.93-1.36), respectively, compared with non-use during and in the year after pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal exposure to both PPIs and H2RAs was associated with an increased risk of asthma in our study. Because the observed association is not drug specific and also observed for maternal postnatal use it may be explained by a 'class effect' or maternal underlying condition.

Are proton pump inhibitors safe during pregnancy and lactation? Evidence to date

Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD) are estimated to occur in 30-50% of pregnancies, with the incidence approaching 80% in some populations. As with many other conditions in pregnancy, medical therapy with pharmaceutical agents is a concern, as the potential teratogenicity of medications is not well known. Although prevalence numbers are high, many patients have mild and infrequent symptoms, which often respond to lifestyle and dietary modifications. The exact mechanism and pathogenesis of GERD associated with pregnancy is likely multifactorial. Treatment strategies for patients not responding to conservative therapies include a step-up approach initially starting with antacids and alginates, and progressing to histamine H(2) receptor antagonists followed by proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy if indicated by symptoms. Although PPI therapy is the most effective treatment available for GERD, the data related to the safety for use during pregnancy and postpartum breastfeeding are mostly obtained from cohort analysis. Given the significant adverse impact of GERD on quality of life and functionality, the use of this class of medications should not be overly restricted based solely on the pregnancy. Based on the studies presented, exposure to PPI therapy during pregnancy seems to predispose the fetus to minimal risk and, overall, these medications should be discussed with the primary physician if symptomatically necessary in the pregnant patient. This evidence-based review will address the management and safety of PPI therapy during pregnancy and lactation, and briefly review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation and diagnosis of GERD in this population.

Are proton pump inhibitors safe during pregnancy and lactation? Evidence to date

Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD) are estimated to occur in 30-50% of pregnancies, with the incidence approaching 80% in some populations. As with many other conditions in pregnancy, medical therapy with pharmaceutical agents is a concern, as the potential teratogenicity of medications is not well known. Although prevalence numbers are high, many patients have mild and infrequent symptoms, which often respond to lifestyle and dietary modifications. The exact mechanism and pathogenesis of GERD associated with pregnancy is likely multifactorial. Treatment strategies for patients not responding to conservative therapies include a step-up approach initially starting with antacids and alginates, and progressing to histamine H(2) receptor antagonists followed by proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy if indicated by symptoms. Although PPI therapy is the most effective treatment available for GERD, the data related to the safety for use during pregnancy and postpartum breastfeeding are mostly obtained from cohort analysis. Given the significant adverse impact of GERD on quality of life and functionality, the use of this class of medications should not be overly restricted based solely on the pregnancy. Based on the studies presented, exposure to PPI therapy during pregnancy seems to predispose the fetus to minimal risk and, overall, these medications should be discussed with the primary physician if symptomatically necessary in the pregnant patient. This evidence-based review will address the management and safety of PPI therapy during pregnancy and lactation, and briefly review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation and diagnosis of GERD in this population.

Risks versus benefits of gastrointestinal endoscopy during pregnancy

Although gastrointestinal endoscopy is generally safe, its safety must be separately analyzed during pregnancy with regard to fetal safety. Fetal risks from endoscopic medications are minimized by avoiding FDA category D drugs, minimizing endoscopic medications, and anesthesiologist attendance at endoscopy. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy seems to be relatively safe for the fetus and may be performed when strongly indicated during pregnancy. Despite limited clinical data, endoscopic banding of esophageal varices and endoscopic hemostasis of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding seems justifiable during pregnancy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy during pregnancy also appears to be relatively safe for the fetus and may be performed when strongly indicated. Colonoscopy may be considered in pregnant patients during the second trimester if there is a strong indication. Data on colonoscopy during the other trimesters are limited. Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography seems to be relatively safe during pregnancy and should be performed for strong indications (for example, complicated choledocholithiasis). Endoscopic safety precautions during pregnancy include the performance of endoscopy in hospital by an expert endoscopist and only when strongly indicated, deferral of endoscopy to the second trimester whenever possible, and obstetric consultation.

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting are common experiences in pregnancy, affecting 70% to 80% of all pregnant women. Various metabolic and neuromuscular factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), an entity distinct from NVP. However, their exact cause is unknown. Consequently, treatment of NVP and HG can be difficult, as neither the optimal targets for treatment nor the full effects of potential treatments on the developing fetus are known. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, outcomes, and treatment of NVP and HG.

Antibiotic Treatment of Dogs and Cats during Pregnancy

The use of pharmacological agents in pregnant females poses a major clinical challenge due to the marked physiological changes that may modify the pharmacokinetics of drugs and to the potential effects on the fetus. The purpose of this paper is to review briefly our knowledge on the use of antibacterial drugs during pregnancy and to provide information for the judicious selection of an antimicrobial treatment for use in pregnant bitches and queens. The risk to the fetus is a result of the ability of a drug to reach the fetal circulation and to produce toxic effects. The placenta functions as a barrier that protects the fetus due to the presence of transporters and metabolising enzymes; however, during pregnancy, the presence and activity of both enzymes and transporters may change. Antimicrobial agents that have been shown to be safe for use during pregnancy include betalactams, macrolides, and lincosamides. Pharmacotherapy during pregnancy in all species may affect adversely the developing fetus; therefore, it should be avoided when possible.

The safety of histamine 2 (H2) blockers in pregnancy: a meta-analysis

Heartburn and acid reflux increase the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, and may lead to more serious medical conditions. The fetal safety of histamine 2 (H2) blockers, the most common antireflux medication, during pregnancy needs to be determined. The aim herein is to determine the fetal safety of H2 blockers during pregnancy through systematic review. All original research assessing the safety of H2 blockers in pregnancy was sought. Data included congenital malformations, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and small for gestational age. A random-effects model combined results. With data from 2,398 exposed and 119,892 nonexposed to H2 blockers, overall odds ratio was 1.14 [0.89, 1.45]. Further analysis revealed no increased risks for spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and small for gestational age with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 0.62 [0.36-1.05], 1.17 [0.94, 1.147], and 0.28 [0.06, 1.22], respectively. H2 blockers can be used safely in pregnancy.

The effect of heartburn and acid reflux on the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Heartburn (HB) and acid reflux (RF) in the nonpregnant population can cause nausea and vomiting; therefore, it is plausible that in women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), HB/RF may increase the severity of symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether HB/RF during pregnancy contribute to increased severity of NVP.

METHODS

A prospectively collected cohort of women who were experiencing NVP and HB, RF or both (n=194) was studied. The Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE) scale and its Well-being scale was used to compare the severity of the study cohort's symptoms. This cohort was compared with a group of women experiencing NVP but no HB/RF (n=188). Multiple linear regression was used to control for the effects of confounding factors.

RESULTS

Women with HB/RF reported higher PUQE scores (9.6+/-2.6) compared with controls (8.9+/-2.6) (P=0.02). Similarly, Well-being scores for women experiencing HB/RF were lower (4.3+/-2.1) compared with controls (4.9+/-2.0) (P=0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that increased PUQE scores (P=0.003) and decreased Well-being scores (P=0.005) were due to the presence of HB/RF as opposed to confounding factors such as pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions/symptoms, hyperemesis gravidarum in previous pregnancies and comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

The present cohort study is the first to demonstrate that HB/RF are associated with increased severity of NVP. Managing HB/RF may improve the severity of NVP.

The safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in pregnancy: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Heartburn and acid reflux are common medical disorders in pregnancy and can result in serious discomfort and complications. Furthermore, some pregnant women also experience more severe gastrointestinal conditions, such as Helicobacter pylori infections, peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. To allow the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in pregnancy, the fetal safety of this drug class must be established. The aim of this study is to determine the fetal safety of PPIs during early pregnancy through systematic literature review.

METHODS

All original research assessing the safety of PPIs in pregnancy was sought from inception to July 2008. Two independent reviewers identified articles, compared results, and settled differences through consensus. The Downs-Black scale was used to assess quality. Data assessed included congenital malformations, spontaneous abortions, and preterm delivery. A random effects meta-analysis combined the results from included studies.

RESULTS

Of the 60 articles identified, 7 met our inclusion criteria. Using data from 134,940 patients, including 1,530 exposed and 133,410 not exposed to PPIs, the overall odds ratio (OR) for major malformations was 1.12 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.86-1.45). Further analysis revealed no increased risk for spontaneous abortions (OR=1.29, 95% CI: 0.84-1.97); similarly, there was no increased risk for preterm delivery (OR=1.13, 95% CI: 0.96-1.33). In the secondary analysis of 1,341 exposed and 120,137 not exposed to omeprazole alone, the OR and 95% CI for major malformations were 1.17 and 0.90-1.53, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of these results, PPIs are not associated with an increased risk for major congenital birth defects, spontaneous abortions, or preterm delivery. The narrow range of 95% CIs is further reassuring, suggesting that PPIs can be safely used in pregnancy.