Chronic hypertension with related drug treatment of pregnant women and congenital abnormalities in their offspring: a population-based study

Maternal factors in the origin of cleft lip/cleft palate: A population-based case-control study

OBJECTIVES

Orofacial clefts are among the most common birth defects, with an estimated worldwide incidence of around 1.5-1.7 per 1000 live-born babies. The most frequent form of orofacial clefts is cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL ± CP). The role of environmental factors in the development of clefts is unclear in most patients, thus the aim of this study was to estimate possible maternal risk factors in the origin of CL ± CP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1648 CL ± CP cases, 2654 matched controls and 57 231 population controls were evaluated from The Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities. Maternal factors during the critical period in cases and controls were compared. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated in a multivariable conditional logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Among socio-demographic data, we have found significant differences between maternal employment. The proportion of unskilled mothers (6.5%) were higher in the CL ± CP group than in controls (3.5%). Medically recorded maternal anaemia, excessive vomiting and threatened abortion were associated with a higher risk of CL ± CP. An elevated risk was also found in various acute illnesses such as influenza (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 3.0-5.8), acute bronchitis (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.6-12.6) and urinary tract infections (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.0-6.0). Maternal migraine and essential hypertension occurred more frequently in the mothers of cases than in controls.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that maternal diseases and lifestyle factors during the first trimester play a significant role in the development of CL ± CP.

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated complications during pregnancy and its effect on offspring: comprehensive review

This study comprehensively explores the complexities of rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy and its impact on offspring. Through an extensive review of existing literature, we investigate maternal and fetal risks, including adverse pregnancy outcomes and developmental issues in offspring. Utilizing reputable databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, we meticulously examined studies exploring the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy complications, with a focus on outcomes for offspring. We excluded studies lacking sufficient data or peer review. Synthesizing findings from selected studies, we identified common themes and patterns, presenting results in a clear, organized manner. Our examination reveals a heightened likelihood of preterm birth and preeclampsia among pregnant individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, often correlated with disease activity. Furthermore, we highlight the impact on fetal and neonatal outcomes, such as low birth weight, underscoring the importance of meticulous disease management throughout pregnancy. Balancing the necessity of disease-modifying agents with potential risks, and consideration of medication safety is paramount. A multidisciplinary approach involving rheumatologists and obstetricians is crucial for optimizing outcomes. In conclusion, this synthesis underscores the nuanced challenges of rheumatoid arthritis in pregnancy. A comprehensive understanding and personalized, multidisciplinary approach to an organization is essential for informed decision-making in clinical practice. Our review contributes to ongoing discourse, providing insights for enhanced patient care and guiding future research endeavors.

Parental risk factors for oesophageal atresia

BACKGROUND

An Oesophageal atresia (OA) affects almost 1 in 3500 newborn and its aetiology for development between 4th to 6th pregnancy weeks had not yet been clarified.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational control group-supported (n = 30) examination was performed with OA mothers (n = 20) who were interrogated via specialized questionnaires and interviews to evaluate data on medical pregnancy history including hormonal treatment, changing of life habits (nutrition, diet, medication), drug consumption (alcohol, smoking, illicit drugs) as well as exposure to nuclear waste or poisonous substance exposition. Aim was to assess risk factors during pregnancy and in particular in the first trimester.

RESULTS

The body mass index (BMI) prior pregnancy of OA mothers was significant lower (p = 0.022) and the number of mothers with obesity (BMI>30) did not differ to control group mothers (p = 0.081). They had additionally more pre-existing illnesses (p = 0.009) and allergies (p = 0.001). Control group mothers changed dietary habits with higher meat (p = 0.032) and caffeine intake (p = 0.012) compared to OA mothers, which had higher rates of abnormalities during pregnancy (p < 0.001) and 38.7% of them suffered of ≥1 abortion in the past. The ethnical background of OA mothers was more often German (p < 0.033), while OA fathers had a lower socioeconomic status (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

Maternal factors like previous abortions, obesity and immunological predispositions like existence of allergies combined with increased daily dairy consumption influenced obviously the occurrence of OA.

Major congenital malformations in offspring of women with chronic diseases-impact of the disease or the treatment?

In a narrative review, we summarized previous findings on the risk of major congenital malformations in offspring of women with chronic hypertension, hypothyroidism, or depression compared with the background population, and evaluated whether exposure to medical treatment in the first trimester affected this risk. In a literature search in the PubMed database, cohort studies were included if they were published from 2010 to 2022 and contained data on major congenital malformations from ≥500 offspring of women with chronic hypertension, hypothyroidism, or depression during the first trimester of pregnancy, and data on both untreated and treated women. Data were compared with the background population of women without these diseases. In total, 7 cohort studies were identified. In comparison with the background population, 2 studies including 54,996 offspring of women with chronic hypertension showed an adjusted odds ratio of 1.20 to 1.30 for major congenital malformations in the offspring, regardless of antihypertensive treatment. One study including 16,364 offspring of women with hypothyroidism showed an adjusted odds ratio of 1.14 (1.06-1.22) for major congenital malformations in the offspring, regardless of thyroid substitution. Four studies including 48,913 offspring of women with depression showed adjusted odds ratios of 1.07 to 1.27 (0.91-1.78) for major congenital malformations in the offspring of untreated women. Three of these 4 studies showed similar prevalence of malformations in women treated for depression. The findings of this narrative review suggest that chronic hypertension and hypothyroidism, rather than exposure to their medical treatments in the first trimester, were associated with increased risk of major congenital malformations, whereas depression was generally not associated with major congenital malformations.

Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Limb Reduction Defects: Data from the Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations (PRCM)

Data from the Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations (PRCM) suggest that the prevalence of limb reduction defects (LRDs) in some Polish regions is significantly higher in comparison to that reported in the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) registry, but specific risk factors are still unknown. The objectives of this study were two-fold: to detect risk factors linked to isolated LRDs among Polish natives and to search for geospatial clusters of isolated LRDs to identify high-risk areas across the country. Among the 2,939,001 births accounted for in the PRCM, we determined that there were 852 children with distinct LRDs. Our data demonstrate that lower birth weight, prematurity, and maternal smoking history are strongly associated with isolated LRDs. Furthermore, our investigation pointed to various additional risk factors for isolated LRDs, including paternal education, gestational hypertension, upper respiratory tract infections, and exposure to anti-inflammatory drugs in the first trimester of pregnancy. We did not recognize statistically significant spatial or spatiotemporal clusters over the area of Poland using Kulldorff’s scan. Our study strengthens the hypothesis that maternal factors have an integral role in the etiology of isolated LRDs.

Risk of congenital malformations in offspring of women using β-blockers during early pregnancy: An updated meta-analysis of observational studies

AIMS

Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat hypertension that arises during pregnancy. However, reproductive safety concerns have been expressed. Here, we investigated whether the use of β-blockers during early pregnancy increased the risk of congenital malformations.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies published from database inception until February 2020. Observational studies evaluating associations between maternal β-blocker use and congenital malformations were included in this meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. Meta-analysis of outcomes was performed and a summary odds ratio (OR) was calculated with consideration of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Twenty observational studies were identified. Beta-blocker use during early pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations (OR = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93-1.09). Subgroup analysis of organ-specific malformations revealed that β-blocker use was associated with an increased risk of heart malformations (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02-1.63) and an increased risk of cleft lip or palate (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.18-1.91); however, these associations (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.94-1.32 for heart malformations; OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.98-1.85 for cleft lip or palate) disappeared when the adjusted data were pooled. Beta-blocker use was not associated with increased risks of central nervous system malformations, neural tube defects or hypospadias.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to β-blockers during early pregnancy does not appear to be associated with congenital malformations or heart malformations in offspring. Other organ-specific congenital malformations should be evaluated in further studies.

Comparative efficacy and safety of oral antihypertensive agents in pregnant women with chronic hypertension: a network metaanalysis

OBJECTIVE DATA

Chronic hypertension is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, although the optimal treatment is unclear. The aim of this network metaanalysis was to simultaneously compare the efficacy and safety of antihypertensive agents in pregnant women with chronic hypertension.

STUDY

Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar databases were searched systematically from inception to December 15, 2019. Both randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were held eligible if they reported the effects of antihypertensive agents on perinatal outcomes among women with chronic hypertension.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

The primary outcomes were preeclampsia and small-for-gestational-age risk. A frequentist network metaanalytic random-effects model was fitted. The main analysis was based on randomized controlled trials. The credibility of evidence was assessed by taking into account within-study bias, across-studies bias, indirectness, imprecision, heterogeneity, and incoherence.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies (14 randomized controlled trials and 8 cohorts) were included, comprising 4464 women. Pooling of randomized controlled trials indicated that no agent significantly affected the incidence of preeclampsia. Atenolol was associated with significantly higher risk of small-for-gestational age compared with placebo (odds ratio, 26.00; 95% confidence interval, 2.61-259.29) and is ranked as the worst treatment (P-score=.98). The incidence of severe hypertension was significantly lower when nifedipine (odds ratio, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.55), methyldopa (odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.56), ketanserin (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.90), and pindolol (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.55) were administered compared with no drug intake. The highest probability scores were calculated for furosemide (P-score=.86), amlodipine (P-score=.82), and placebo (P-score=.82). The use of nifedipine and methyldopa were associated with significantly lower placental abruption rates (odds ratio, 0.29 [95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.58] and 0.23 [95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.46], respectively). No significant differences were estimated for cesarean delivery, perinatal death, preterm birth, and gestational age at delivery.

CONCLUSION

Atenolol was associated with a significantly increased risk for small-for-gestational-age infants. The incidence of severe hypertension was significantly lower when nifedipine and methyldopa were administered, although preeclampsia risk was similar among antihypertensive agents. Future large-scale trials should provide guidance about the choice of antihypertensive treatment and the goal blood pressure during pregnancy.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with first-trimester exposure to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to determine the effects of prenatal exposure to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), particularly when exposure is limited to the first trimester of pregnancy, on adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. A systematic search was performed on four databases, that is, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, to identify relevant articles published up to December 31, 2019. Included studies were limited to original investigations assessing the association between prenatal exposure to ACEIs/ARBs and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Odds ratios were used as a summary effect measure. Pooled-effect estimates of each outcome were calculated by the random-effects meta-analysis. The main outcomes included overall and specific congenital malformations, low birth weight, miscarriage, elective termination of pregnancy, stillbirth, and preterm delivery. Of 19 included articles involving a total of 4 163 753 pregnant women, 13 studies reported an increased risk of, at least, one adverse pregnancy outcome in pregnant women who were exposed to ACEIs/ARBs. Meta-analysis revealed a significant association between overall congenital malformations and first trimester-only exposure to ACEIs/ARBs (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.71-2.21, P < .0001). Cardiovascular malformations, miscarriage, and stillbirth also provided a significant relation with ACEI/ARB exposure. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to ACEIs/ARBs in the first trimester of pregnancy was found to be associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women of reproductive age should be aware of the potential teratogenic risks of these drugs if they become pregnant.

Intergenerational Effects of Health Issues Among Women of Childbearing Age: a Review of the Recent Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the latest scientific evidence, primarily from systematic reviews/meta-analyses and large cohort studies, on the impact of health issues among women of childbearing age and their effect on their offspring during pregnancy and from birth to adulthood.

RECENT FINDINGS

Women of childbearing age with overweight/obesity, diabetes, and hypertension prior to pregnancy are at increased risk for adverse outcomes during pregnancy, such as excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes mellitus, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. These adverse outcomes could complicate delivery and put their offspring at risk of developing overweight/obesity, diabetes, and hypertension (i.e., intergenerational transmission of health issues). Interventions should target women of childbearing age, especially those who wish to conceive, in order to possibly stop the transmission of women's health issues to the offspring and favor a healthy pregnancy from the start. This could be one of the best strategies to promote both maternal and child health.

Safety of Amlodipine in Early Pregnancy

Background

Amlodipine is used for the treatment of hypertension, but reports on its use in early pregnancy are limited.

Methods and Results

In the present study, we recruited 231 women with chronic hypertension, including those who received amlodipine or other antihypertensives during early pregnancy, and investigated frequencies of morphologic abnormalities in their 231 offspring. Specifically, we evaluated 48 neonates exposed to amlodipine in the first trimester (amlodipine group, Group A), 54 neonates exposed to antihypertensives other than amlodipine (other antihypertensive group, Group O), and 129 neonates not exposed to antihypertensives (no‐antihypertensive group, Group N). The number of morphologic abnormalities of offspring in each group were 2 in Group A (4.2%; 95% CI, 0.51–14.25); 3 in Group O (5.6%; 95% CI, 1.16–15.39) and 6 in Group N (4.7%; 95% CI, 1.73–9.85). The odds ratio of the primary outcome comparing Group A and Group O was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.118–4.621) and Group A and Group N was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.174–4.575).

Conclusions

The odds of birth defects in Group A in the first trimester were not significantly different from those with or without other antihypertensives.

See Editorial Malha and August

Maternal antihypertensive medication use and selected birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the relationship between antihypertensive medication use in early pregnancy and risk of birth defects.

METHODS

Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, we examined associations between specific antihypertensive medication classes and 28 noncardiac birth defects. We analyzed self-reported data on 17,038 case and 11,477 control pregnancies with estimated delivery dates during 1997-2011. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for maternal age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, parity, pregestational diabetes, and study site, for associations between individual birth defects and antihypertensive medication use during the first trimester of pregnancy. We compared risk among women reporting early pregnancy antihypertensive medication use to normotensive women.

RESULTS

Hypertensive women who reported early pregnancy antihypertensive medication use were more likely to be at least 35 years old, non-Hispanic Black, obese, multiparous, and to report pregestational diabetes than normotensive women. Compared to normotensive women, early pregnancy antihypertensive medication use was associated with increased risk of small intestinal atresia (adjusted OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.7) and anencephaly (adjusted OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.5). Risk of these defects was not specific to any particular medication class.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal antihypertensive medication use was not associated with the majority of birth defects we analyzed, but was associated with an increased risk for some birth defects. Because we cannot entirely rule out confounding by the underlying hypertension and most ORs were based on small numbers, the increased risks observed should be interpreted with caution.

EUROmediCAT signal detection: an evaluation of selected congenital anomaly-medication associations

AIMS

To evaluate congenital anomaly (CA)-medication exposure associations produced by the new EUROmediCAT signal detection system and determine which require further investigation.

METHODS

Data from 15 EUROCAT registries (1995-2011) with medication exposures at the chemical substance (5th level of Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical classification) and chemical subgroup (4th level) were analysed using a 50% false detection rate. After excluding antiepileptics, antidiabetics, antiasthmatics and SSRIs/psycholeptics already under investigation, 27 associations were evaluated. If evidence for a signal persisted after data validation, a literature review was conducted for prior evidence of human teratogenicity.

RESULTS

Thirteen out of 27 CA-medication exposure signals, based on 389 exposed cases, passed data validation. There was some prior evidence in the literature to support six signals (gastroschisis and levonorgestrel/ethinylestradiol (OR 4.10, 95% CI 1.70-8.53; congenital heart disease/pulmonary valve stenosis and nucleoside/tide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (OR 5.01, 95% CI 1.99-14.20/OR 28.20, 95% CI 4.63-122.24); complete absence of a limb and pregnen (4) derivatives (OR 6.60, 95% CI 1.70-22.93); hypospadias and pregnadien derivatives (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10-1.76); hypospadias and synthetic ovulation stimulants (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.28-2.70). Antipropulsives produced a signal for syndactyly while the literature revealed a signal for hypospadias. There was no prior evidence to support the remaining six signals involving the ordinary salt combinations, propulsives, bulk-forming laxatives, hydrazinophthalazine derivatives, gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues and selective serotonin agonists.

CONCLUSION

Signals which strengthened prior evidence should be prioritized for further investigation, and independent evidence sought to confirm the remaining signals. Some chance associations are expected and confounding by indication is possible.

Maternal hypertension and risk for hypospadias in offspring

Hypospadias is one of the most common birth defects in male infants. Maternal hypertension is a suspected risk factor; however, few previous studies have addressed the possibility of reporting bias, and several previous studies have not accounted for hypospadias severity. We analyzed data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry for 10,924 nonsyndromic cases and statewide vital records for deliveries during 1999-2009, using Poisson regression. After adjustment for potential confounders, hypospadias was associated with maternal hypertension (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.4-1.7). Similar associations were observed with gestational and pregestational hypertension, including separate analyses restricted to the subset of cases with severe (second- or third-degree) hypospadias. All of these associations were also similar among the subset of cases with isolated hypospadias (without additional birth defects). To evaluate the potential for bias due to potential hypertension misclassification, we repeated our analyses using logistic regression, comparing the cases to controls with other birth defects. In these analyses, the associations with gestational hypertension were similar, but adjusted associations with pregestational hypertension were no longer observed. Our findings support an association between gestational hypertension and hypospadias in offspring, but also suggest that previously observed associations with pregestational hypertension may have been inflated due to differential misclassification of hypertension (e.g., reporting bias). As gestational hypertension is recognized after hypospadias development, more research is needed to determine if this association reflects an increase in gestational hypertension risk secondary to hypospadias or if both conditions have shared risk factors (e.g., precursors of gestational hypertension). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Are hypertensive disorders in pregnancy associated with congenital malformations in offspring? Evidence from the WHO Multicountry cross sectional survey on maternal and newborn health

BACKGROUND

Annually, around 7.9 million children are born with birth defects and the contribution of congenital malformations to neonatal mortality is generally high. Congenital malformations in children born to mothers with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy has marginally been explored.

METHODS

Country incidence of congenital malformations was estimated using data on the 310 401 livebirths of the WHO Multicountry Survey which reported information from 359 facilities across 29 countries. A random-effect logistic regression model was utilized to explore the associations between six broad categories of congenital malformations and the four maternal hypertensive disorders "Chronic Hypertension", "Preeclampsia" and "Eclampsia" and "Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia".

RESULTS

The occupied territories of Palestine presented the highest rates in all groups of malformation except for the "Lip/Cleft/Palate" category. Newborns of women with chronic maternal hypertension were associated with a 3.7 (95 % CI 1.3-10.7), 3.9 (95 % CI 1.7-9.0) and 4.2 (95 % CI 1.5-11.6) times increase in odds of renal, limb and lip/cleft/palate malformations respectively. Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia was associated with a 4.3 (95 % CI 1.3-14.4), 8.7 (95 % CI 2.5-30.2), 7.1 (95 % CI 2.1-23.5) and 8.2 (95 % CI 2.0-34.3) times increase in odds of neural tube/central nervous system, renal, limb and Lip/Cleft/Palate malformations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that chronic hypertension in the maternal period exposes newborns to a significant risk of developing renal, limb and lip/cleft/palate congenital malformations, and the risk is further exacerbate by superimposing eclampsia. Additional research is needed to identify shared pathways of maternal hypertensive disorders and congenital malformations.

Maternal Hypertension During Pregnancy and the Risk of Congenital Heart Defects in Offspring: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Maternal hypertension is common during pregnancy, and multiple studies have reported on an association between maternal hypertension and congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring; however, there is variability in the quality of these studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between untreated and treated maternal hypertension and the risk of CHDs, evaluating CHDs overall as well as specific CHD subtypes. A systematic search of peer-reviewed articles published before August 2013 identified 16 studies evaluating the associations between untreated and treated maternal hypertension and CHDs. Summary relative risk (RR) estimates were calculated using fixed-effects models and random-effects models. Significant associations were observed between maternal hypertension and overall CHDs, for both treated [RR 2.0; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.5, 2.7] and untreated (RR 1.4; 95 % CI 1.2, 1.7) hypertension, as well as for overall hypertension regardless of treatment status (RR 1.8; 95 % CI 1.5, 2.2). The magnitude of effect was similar for the majority of CHD subtypes evaluated. The effects were also similar among women with hypertension who used one of multiple specific hypertension medications. There was no evidence of publication bias, and our results were robust to several factors considered in sensitivity analyses (e.g., source of exposure data, adjustment for potential confounders, and study design). Maternal hypertension was associated with CHDs. By understanding the specific mechanisms involved, appropriate strategies may be developed to reduce this risk, in order to prevent CHDs.

Genetic and nongenetic etiology of nonsyndromic anorectal malformations: a systematic review

Congenital anorectal malformations (ARMs) are one of the most frequently observed birth defects of the digestive system. However, their etiology remains elusive. Therefore, we aim to summarize and critically appraise all existing literature on the genetic and nongenetic etiology of nonsyndromic ARM and to conclude with unifying hypotheses and directions for future research. A structured literature search on English language human studies was conducted in PubMed and Embase up to October 1, 2013, resulting in 112 included articles. Research on the identification of genes underlying nonsyndromic ARM is remarkably scarce. Most studies were focused on screening of candidate genes for mutations or single-nucleotide polymorphisms, which did not yield any substantial evidence. Nongenetic factors fairly consistently found to be associated with ARM are assisted reproductive techniques, multiple pregnancy, preterm delivery, low birth weight, maternal overweight or obesity, and preexisting diabetes. This review provides indications for the involvement of both genes and nongenetic risk factors in the etiology of ARM. In future studies, large cohorts of patients with ARM from national and international collaborations are needed to acquire new hypotheses and knowledge through hypothesis-generating approaches. Challenges for future studies may also lie in the investigation of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions.

Association of certain chronic maternal diseases with the risk of specific congenital heart defects: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Previous epidemiological studies have evaluated cases with all congenital heart defects (CHDs), rather than analysing different types of CHD. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible association of certain chronic maternal diseases with the risk of different types of CHD, because the role of possible environmental factors in the origin of CHDs is unclear in the vast majority of patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Different types of CHD, diagnosed after lethal outcome (autopsy report) or after surgical intervention (catheter or correction), were evaluated in order to estimate the possible role of chronic maternal diseases in their origin. This analysis was based on the rates of medically recorded chronic maternal diseases in 3562 live-born cases with CHDs, 38,151 population controls without any birth defects, and 16,602 malformed controls with other isolated congenital abnormalities, using the data set of the population-based Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (1980-1996).

RESULTS

Maternal epilepsy treated with carbamazepine and migraine were found to be associated with higher risk of ventricular septal defect; panic disorders were associated with higher risk of hypoplastic left heart; type I diabetes mellitus was associated with higher risk of coarctation of the aorta; chronic hypertension was associated with higher risk of ventricular septal defect, common atrioventricular canal and common truncus; and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia was associated with higher risk of atrial septal defect secundum, common atrioventricular canal and ventricular septal defect.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, certain chronic maternal diseases were found to be associated with higher risk of specific CHDs. Appropriate treatment of these diseases may help to prevent these CHDs.

Maternal hypertension, medication use, and hypospadias in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether antihypertensive classes and specific medications in early pregnancy increase the risk of severe hypospadias and to assess prior associations detected for late-treated and untreated hypertension in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.

METHODS

Using telephone interviews from mothers of 2,131 children with severe hypospadias and 5,129 nonmalformed male control children for 1997-2009 births in a population-based case-control study, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with multivariable logistic regression. We adjusted P values to account for multiple testing.

RESULTS

Forty-eight (2.3%) case and 70 (1.4%) control mothers reported early pregnancy antihypertensive treatment, 45 (2.1%) case and 31 (0.6%) control mothers reported late treatment, and 315 (14.8%) case and 394 (7.7%) control mothers reported untreated hypertension. Selective β-blockers, centrally acting agents, renin-angiotensin system-acting agents, diuretics, and specific medications, methyldopa and atenolol, were not associated with hypospadias. Nonselective β-blockers (adjusted OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.47-7.05) were associated with hypospadias; however, P values adjusted for multiple testing were not statistically significant. We confirmed prior findings for associations between hypospadias and untreated hypertension (adjusted OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.76-2.48) and late initiation of treatment (adjusted OR 3.98, 95% CI 2.41-6.55). The increased risks would translate to severe hypospadias prevalences of 11.5, 17.7, and 21.9 per 10,000 births for women with untreated hypertension, nonselective β-blocker use, and late initiation of treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests a relationship between hypospadias and the severity of hypertension.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Maternal hypertension with nifedipine treatment associated with a higher risk for right-sided obstructive defects of the heart: a population-based case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To establish possible aetiological factors contributing to congenital heart defects (CHD) overall and separately for different types of CHD, as causes are unknown for the vast majority of patients.

DESIGN

To estimate a possible association with maternal diseases and related drug treatments as exposures in the mothers of cases with right-sided obstructive defects of the heart (RSODH).

SETTING

A large population-based Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities data set.

PATIENTS

Newborn infants with four types of RSODH based on autopsy or surgical records.

INTERVENTIONS

Comparison of 200 live-born cases with RSODH including 72 (36.0%) with pulmonary valve stenosis, 13 (6.5%) with tricuspid atresia/stenosis, 7 (3.5%) with Ebstein's anomaly and 108 (54.0%) with pulmonary atresia, with 304 matched controls and 38 151 population controls without any defects.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Risk of any RSODH and risk of each type of RSODH.

RESULTS

High blood pressure, particularly chronic hypertension with nifedipine treatment, was associated with a risk for RSODH (OR 7.03, 95% CI 3.13 to 13.84). High doses of folic acid reduced the birth prevalence of pulmonary atresia (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

The multifactorial threshold model provides the best explanation for the origins of RSODH. Genetic predisposition may be triggered by maternal hypertension with nifedipine treatment, while the risk for pulmonary atresia is reduced by high doses of folic acid in early pregnancy.

Nongenetic risk factors and congenital heart defects

Advances have been made in identifying genetic etiologies of congenital heart defects. Through this knowledge, preventive strategies have been designed and instituted, and prospective parents are counseled regarding their risk of having an affected child. Great strides have been made in genetic variant identification, and genetic susceptibility to environmental exposures has been hypothesized as an etiology for congenital heart defects. Unfortunately, similar advances in understanding have not been made regarding strategies to prevent nongenetic risk factors. Less information is available regarding the potential adverse effect of modifiable risk factors on the fetal heart. This review summarizes the available literature on these modifiable exposures that may alter the risk for congenital heart disease. Information regarding paternal characteristics and conditions, maternal therapeutic drug exposures, parental nontherapeutic drug exposures, and parental environmental exposures are presented. Factors are presented in terms of risk for congenital heart defects as a group. These factors also are broken down by specific defect type. Although additional investigations are needed in this area, many of the discussed risk factors present an opportunity for prevention of potential disease.

The risk of congenital malformations associated with exposure to β-blockers early in pregnancy: a meta-analysis

β-blockers are commonly used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Data about risks of congenital anomalies in offspring have not been summarized. We performed a meta-analysis to determine teratogenicity of β-blockers in early pregnancy. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Clinical Trials, and hand search. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models based on odds ratios (ORs). Prespecified subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity. Randomized controlled trials or observational studies examining risks of congenital malformations associated with first trimester β-blocker exposure compared with no exposure were included. Thirteen population-based case-control or cohort studies were identified. Based on meta-analyses, first-trimester oral β-blocker use showed no increased odds of all or major congenital anomalies (OR=1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-1.10; 5 studies). However, in analyses examining organ-specific malformations, increased odds of cardiovascular defects (OR=2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-3.42; 4 studies), cleft lip/palate (OR=3.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.79-5.43; 2 studies), and neural tube defects (OR=3.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-10.67; 2 studies) were observed. The effects on severe hypospadias were nonsignificant (1 study). Causality is difficult to interpret given the small number of heterogeneous studies and possibility of biases. Given the frequency of this exposure in pregnancy, further research is needed.

Maternal exposure to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in the first trimester and risk of malformations in offspring: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To examine a reported association between use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors during the first trimester and risk of malformations in offspring.

DESIGN

A population based, retrospective cohort study linking automated clinical and pharmacy databases including comprehensive electronic medical records.

PARTICIPANTS

Pregnant women and their live born offspring (465,754 mother-infant pairs) in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California region from 1995 to 2008.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Congenital malformation in live births.

RESULTS

The prevalence of ACE inhibitor use in the first trimester only was 0.9/1000, and the use of other antihypertensive medications was 2.4/1000. After adjustment for maternal age, ethnicity, parity, and obesity, use of ACE inhibitors during the first trimester only seemed to be associated with increased risk of congenital heart defects in offspring compared with normal controls (those with neither hypertension nor use of any antihypertensives during pregnancy) (15/381 (3.9%) v 6232/400,021 (1.6%) cases, odds ratio 1.54 (95% confidence interval 0.90 to 2.62)). A similar association was observed for use of other antihypertensives (28/1090 (2.6%) cases of congenital heart defects, odds ratio 1.52 (1.04 to 2.21)). However, compared with hypertension controls (those with a diagnosis of hypertension but without use of antihypertensives) (708/29,735 (2.4%) cases of congenital heart defects), neither use of ACE inhibitors or of other antihypertensives in the first trimester was associated with increased congenital heart defects risk (odds ratios 1.14 (0.65 to 1.98) and 1.12 (0.76 to 1.64) respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal use of ACE inhibitors in the first trimester has a risk profile similar to the use of other antihypertensives regarding malformations in live born offspring. The apparent increased risk of malformations associated with use of ACE inhibitors (and other antihypertensives) in the first trimester is likely due to the underlying hypertension rather than the medications.