Pregnancy outcome following maternal exposure to statins: a multicentre prospective study

INOVASIA Study: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Pravastatin to Prevent Preeclampsia in High-Risk Patients

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine if treatment with pravastatin prevents preeclampsia in pregnant patients at risk of preeclampsia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed in four major tertiary hospitals in Surabaya, Bandung, and Makassar between 2017 and 2021. Pregnant women at high risk of developing preeclampsia were recruited and randomized into an intervention group and control group. The control group received low-dose aspirin (80 mg) and calcium (1 g) daily, while the intervention group received additional pravastatin (20 mg twice daily) starting from 14 to 20 weeks' gestation until delivery. The pregnancy was followed until delivery, and the clinical data were collected. The primary outcome was the occurrence of preeclampsia.

RESULT

A total of 173 people participated in this study, including 86 in the control group and 87 in the pravastatin group. The pravastatin group had a significantly lower rate of preterm preeclampsia (13.8 vs. 26.7%; p = 0.034; odds ratio [OR] = 0.034, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.202-0.905) and preterm birth (16.1 vs. 36%; p = 0.003; OR = 0.340, 95% CI = 0.165-0.7), mostly indicated preterm birth. Preeclampsia occurred later in the pravastatin group than in the control group (36.39 + 2.32 vs. 34.89 + 3.38 weeks, p = 0.048). Overall, the pravastatin group showed better perinatal outcomes. Neonates with low Apgar scores (<7) at 1 minute (5.7 vs. 25.6%, p = 0.000) and 5 minutes (2.3 vs. 25.6%, p = 0.028) were significantly less common in the pravastatin group. Additionally, the rate of low birthweight babies (<2,500 g) was lower in the pravastatin group (27.6 vs. 40.7%; p = 0.069).

CONCLUSION

Pravastatin (20 mg bid) significantly reduces the risk of preterm preeclampsia and preterm birth in women at a high risk of developing preeclampsia.

KEY POINTS

· This is an open-label multicenter RCT to evaluate pravastatin effect to prevent preeclampsia.. · Pravastatin significantly reduces the risk of preterm preeclampsia (PE) and preterm birth in high risk PE women.. · Pravastatin had a beneficial effect on perinatal outcomes, including Apgar scores and birth weight..

Use of GLP1 receptor agonists in early pregnancy and reproductive safety: a multicentre, observational, prospective cohort study based on the databases of six Teratology Information Services

OBJECTIVES

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) are indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and more recently for weight loss. The aim of this study was to assess the risks associated with GLP1-RA exposure during early pregnancy.

DESIGN

This multicentre, observational prospective cohort study compared pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to GLP1-RA in early pregnancy either for diabetes or obesity treatment with those in two reference groups: (1) women with diabetes exposed to at least one non-GLP1-RA antidiabetic drug during the first trimester and (2) a reference group of overweight/obese women without diabetes, between 2009 and 2022.

SETTING

Data were collected from the databases of six Teratology Information Services.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included 168 pregnancies of women exposed to GLP1-RA during the first trimester, alongside a reference group of 156 pregnancies of women with diabetes and 163 pregnancies of overweight/obese women.

RESULTS

Exposure to GLP1-RA in the first trimester was not associated with a risk of major birth defects when compared with diabetes (2.6% vs 2.3%; adjusted OR, 0.98 (95% CI, 0.16 to 5.82)) or to overweight/obese (2.6% vs 3.9%; adjusted OR 0.54 (0.11 to 2.75)). For the GLP1-RA group, cumulative incidence for live births, pregnancy losses and pregnancy terminations was 59%, 23% and 18%, respectively. In the diabetes reference group, corresponding estimates were 69%, 26% and 6%, while in the overweight/obese reference group, they were 63%, 29% and 8%, respectively. Cox proportional cause-specific hazard models indicated no increased risk of pregnancy losses in the GLP1-RA versus the diabetes and the overweight/obese reference groups, in both crude and adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers reassurance in cases of inadvertent exposure to GLP1-RA during the first trimester of pregnancy. Due to the limited sample size, larger studies are required to validate these findings.

Pregnancy-related adverse events associated with statins: a real-world pharmacovigilance study of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)

BACKGROUND

Statins, previously rated as pregnancy category X agents, were contraindicated during pregnancy due to the teratogenic effects observed in animal studies. However, it is still controversial whether statins have detrimental impact on pregnant women or not, and some studies even suggest a potential benefit of statin use against pregnancy complications. The aim of this study was to explore whether maternal exposure to statins is associated with increased rates of pregnancy-related adverse events (AEs), including abortion, abortion spontaneous, preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth/fetal death, and fetal complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from 1 January 2004 to 30 June 2022 were extracted through the U.S. FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, to conduct disproportionality analysis and Bayesian analysis by reporting odds ratio (ROR) and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) algorithms. To identify the potential risks of pregnancy-related AEs, each statin was compared to all the other drugs, all the other statins, and the reference drugs (fenofibrate and evolocumab).

RESULTS

A total of 477 cases involving pregnancy-related AEs associated with stains were submitted to the FAERS database by healthcare professionals. No obvious disproportionate association of abortion, abortion spontaneous, or stillbirth/fetal death was identified for all statins during gestation. In comparison with all the other drugs, lovastatin showed an increased risk of fetal complications (ROR = 2.45, 95% CI, 1.22-4.95; IC025 = 0.63), and pravastatin demonstrated increased risks of preterm birth (ROR = 4.89, 95% CI, 3.65-6.54; IC025 = 1.69) and low birth weight (ROR = 9.60, 95% CI, 5.56-16.56; IC025 = 1.88). Similar results were found when compared lovastatin or pravastatin with fenofibrate. Furthermore, statins were associated with higher proportion of fetal complications and preterm birth when comparing with evolocumab.

CONCLUSIONS

Statins did not increase the risk of pregnancy-related AEs, including abortion, abortion spontaneous, or stillbirth/fetal death. However, we did find significant disproportionality signals for preterm birth and low birth weight associated with pravastatin, and lovastatin was related to a higher proportion of fetal complications. The results in this study may provide evidence on the safety of statins during pregnancy, which need to be verified in further investigations.

International Atherosclerosis Society guidance for implementing best practice in the care of familial hypercholesterolaemia

This contemporary, international, evidence-informed guidance aims to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) across different countries. FH, a family of monogenic defects in the hepatic LDL clearance pathway, is a preventable cause of premature coronary artery disease and death. Worldwide, 35 million people have FH, but most remain undiagnosed or undertreated. Current FH care is guided by a useful and diverse group of evidence-based guidelines, with some primarily directed at cholesterol management and some that are country-specific. However, none of these guidelines provides a comprehensive overview of FH care that includes both the lifelong components of clinical practice and strategies for implementation. Therefore, a group of international experts systematically developed this guidance to compile clinical strategies from existing evidence-based guidelines for the detection (screening, diagnosis, genetic testing and counselling) and management (risk stratification, treatment of adults or children with heterozygous or homozygous FH, therapy during pregnancy and use of apheresis) of patients with FH, update evidence-informed clinical recommendations, and develop and integrate consensus-based implementation strategies at the patient, provider and health-care system levels, with the aim of maximizing the potential benefit for at-risk patients and their families worldwide.

Sex differences in lipids: A life course approach

Differences between men and women in lipids and lipoproteins are observed in distribution and trajectory from infancy to adulthood in the general population. However, these differences are more pronounced in hereditary lipid disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) when absolute cholesterol levels are higher from birth onwards. In the early life course, girls compared to boys have higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and total cholesterol, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are similar. In early adulthood to middle-age, women have lower LDL-C and higher HDL-C levels, as LDL-C levels increase and HDLC levels decrease in men. In the elderly, all lipids - total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels decrease but are more pronounced in men. Lipid levels are also affected by specific transitions in girls/women such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. Lipid levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy a physiological increase of LDL-C and even a larger increase in triglyceride levels are observed. Pregnancy has a double impact on LDL-C accumulation in women with FH as they have to stop statins, and the absolute increase in LDL-C is higher than in women without FH. In the menopausal transition, women develop a more adverse lipid profile. Therefore, it is important to take into account both sex and the life course when assessing a lipid profile.

Long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up of children exposed to pravastatin in utero

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia, especially before term, increases the risk of child neurodevelopmental adverse outcomes. Biological plausibility, preclinical studies, and pilot clinical trials conducted by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Obstetric-Fetal Pharmacology Research Centers Network support the safety and use of pravastatin to prevent preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the effect of antenatal pravastatin treatment in high-risk pregnant individuals on their child's health, growth, and neurodevelopment.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an ancillary follow-up cohort study of children born to mothers who participated in the Obstetric-Fetal Pharmacology Research Centers Network pilot trials of pravastatin vs placebo in individuals at high risk of preeclampsia (ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier NCT01717586). After obtaining written informed consent (and assent as appropriate), the parent was instructed to complete the Child Behavior Checklist. To assess the child's motor, cognitive, and developmental outcomes, a certified and blinded study psychologist completed child motor, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral assessments using validated tools. Given the small number of individuals in the studies, the 10- and 20-mg pravastatin groups were combined into 1 group, and the results of the pravastatin group were compared with that of the placebo group.

RESULTS

Of 40 children born to mothers in the original trial, 30 (15 exposed in utero to pravastatin and 15 to placebo) were enrolled in this follow-up study. The time of follow-up, which was 4.7 years (interquartile range, 2.5-6.9), was not different between children in the pravastatin group and children in the placebo group. There was no difference in the child's body mass index percentiles per sex and corrected age, the rates of extremes of body mass index percentiles, or the report of any other medical or developmental complications between the 2 groups. No child born in the pravastatin group had any limitation in motor assessment compared with 2 children (13.3%) who walked with difficulty and 4 children (26.7%) who had reduced manual abilities in the placebo group. Moreover, children born to mothers who received pravastatin had a higher general mean conceptual ability score (98.2±16.7 vs 89.7±11.0; P=.13) and a lower frequency (15.4% vs 35.7%; P=.38) of having a score of <85 (ie, 1 standard deviation lower than the mean) compared with those in the placebo group. Finally, there was no difference in the parents' report on the Child Behavior Checklist between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

This study reported on the long-term neuromotor, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes among children exposed to pravastatin in utero during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Although the data were limited by the original trial's sample size, no identifiable long-term neurodevelopmental safety signal was evident with the use of pravastatin during pregnancy. This favorable neonatal risk-benefit analysis justifies continued research using pravastatin in clinical trials.

Cardiac medications in obstetric patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes recent literature, updated safety data, and major clinical considerations for commonly used medications for arrhythmias, heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and anticoagulation during pregnancy and lactation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have shown a benefit to more aggressive treatment of mild chronic hypertension to a blood pressure goal of <140/90 with oral labetalol and nifedipine remaining first-line agents. Aspirin is now routinely used for preeclampsia prevention, while experience with other antiplatelet agents, such as purinergic receptor P2Y G protein-coupled 12 (P2Y12) inhibitors, continues to grow. Data on statin therapy are rapidly changing and recent studies suggest this class may not be associated with fetal harm and can be continued in select cases.

SUMMARY

As data regarding medication safety continues to evolve, a multidisciplinary team is needed for full consideration of maternal and fetal risks and benefits. Ongoing studies are needed to improve and expand our understanding of medication safety during pregnancy and lactation.

The serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine induces human fetal membrane sterile inflammation through p38 MAPK activation

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs) are often used as first line therapy for depression and other psychiatric disorders. SRI use during pregnancy is associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and subsequent preterm birth. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism(s) responsible for SRI-associated PPROM. Putative mechanisms underlying PPROM include fetal membrane (FM) inflammation, increased apoptosis, and/or accelerated senescence, the later which may be reversed by statins. Human FM explants from normal term deliveries without labor, infection, or antidepressant use were treated with or without the SRI, fluoxetine (FLX), either alone or in the presence of a p38 MAPK inhibitor or the statins, simvastatin or rosuvastatin. FMs were also collected from women either unexposed or exposed to FLX during pregnancy. FLX significantly increased FM p38 MAPK activity and secretion of inflammatory IL-6. Inhibition of p38 MAPK reduced FM IL-6 secretion in response to FLX. Statins did not reduce the SRI-induced FM IL-6 production. FMs from women exposed to FLX during pregnancy expressed elevated levels of p38 MAPK activity compared to matched unexposed women. FMs exposed to FLX did not exhibit signs of increased apoptosis and/or accelerated senescence. These results indicate that the SRI, FLX, may induce sterile FM inflammation during pregnancy through activation of the p38 MAPK pathway, and in the absence of apoptosis and senescence. These findings may better inform clinicians and patients as they weigh the risks and benefits of SRI antidepressant treatment during pregnancy.

Reproductive Safety of Trazodone After Maternal Exposure in Early Pregnancy: A Comparative ENTIS Cohort Study

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

Trazodone is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder, but more frequently prescribed off-label at lower doses for insomnia in women of childbearing age. The aim of this study was to assess the risks linked to trazodone exposure during pregnancy for which limited safety data are available.

METHODS/PROCEDURES

This multicenter, observational prospective cohort study compared pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to trazodone in early pregnancy against those in a reference group of women exposed to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) between 1996 and 2021.

FINDINGS/RESULTS

The sample included 221 trazodone and 869 SSRI-exposed pregnancies. Exposure to trazodone in the first trimester was not associated with a significant difference in the risk of major congenital anomalies (trazodone [1/169, 0.6%]; SSRI [19/730, 2.6%]; adjusted odds ratio, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-1.77). The cumulative incidences of live birth were 61% and 73% in the trazodone and reference group, respectively (25% vs 18% for pregnancy loss and 14% vs 10% for pregnancy termination). Trazodone exposure was not associated with a significantly increased risk of pregnancy termination and pregnancy loss. The rate of small for gestational age infants did not differ between the groups.

IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS

This study did not reveal a significant difference in the risk of major congenital anomalies after first trimester exposure to trazodone, compared with SSRI exposure. Although this study is the largest so far, these results call for confirmation through further studies.

Effects of Statin Combinations on Zika Virus Infection in Vero Cells

The Zika virus (ZIKV) remains a global health concern. Thus far, no antiviral or vaccine has been approved to prevent or treat ZIKV infection. In a previous study, we found that lipophilic statins can inhibit ZIKV production in Vero cells. These statins appear to have different potencies against ZIKV infection. Here, we determined whether combinations of statins would have synergistic effects to maximize the efficacy of the statins and to reduce potential side effects. Specifically, we used a modified fixed-ratio assay for the combinations of atorvastatin (ATO) or fluvastatin (FLU) with mevastatin (MEV) or simvastatin (SIM). All combinations with MEV tended towards synergy, especially with higher fractions of MEV in the combinations. The ATO + SIM combination tended towards additivity. The FLU + SIM combination also tended towards additivity except for one combination which had the highest fraction of FLU over SIM among the tested combinations. Overall, certain combinations of ATO or FLU with SIM or MEV may be synergistic. More exhaustive combinatorial assays in vitro and in vivo could help define whether combining lipophilic statins would be beneficial and safe for treating ZIKV infections.

Management of pregnant patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pregnant individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have significantly high risks of maternal and perinatal mortality. Profound changes in plasma volume, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance can all increase the strain being placed on the right ventricle, leading to heart failure and cardiovascular collapse. Given the complex network of opposing physiological changes, strict contraception and reduction of hemodynamic fluctuations during pregnancy are important methods of minimizing the risk of maternal mortality and improving the outcomes following pregnancy. In this review, we discuss the recent research progress into pre-conception management and the various therapeutic strategies for pregnant individuals with PAH.

Pravastatin and placental insufficiency associated disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Uteroplacental insufficiency associated disorders, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and obstetrical antiphospholipid syndrome, share pathophysiology and risk factors with cardiovascular diseases treated with statins. Objective: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes among women with uteroplacental insufficiency disorders who were treated with statins. Search Strategy: Electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2022 Selection Criteria: Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. Data collection and analysis: Pooled odds ratios were calculated using a random-effects model; meta-regression was utilized when applicable. Main Results: The analysis included ten studies describing 1,391 women with uteroplacental insufficiency disorders: 703 treated with pravastatin and 688 not treated with statins. Women treated with pravastatin demonstrated significant prolongation of pregnancy (mean difference 0.44 weeks, 95%CI:0.01-0.87, p = 0.04, I2 = 96%) and less neonatal intensive care unit admissions (OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.23-0.75, p = 0.004, I2 = 25%). In subgroup analysis, prolongation of pregnancy from study entry to delivery was statistically significant in cohort studies (mean difference 8.93 weeks, 95%CI:4.22-13.95, p = 0.00) but not in randomized control studies. Trends were observed toward a decrease in preeclampsia diagnoses (OR = 0.54, 95%CI:0.27-1.09, p = 0.09, I = 44%), perinatal death (OR = 0.32, 95%CI:0.09-1.13, p = 0.08, I2 = 54%) and an increase in birth weight (mean difference = 102 g, 95%CI: -14-212, p = 0.08, I2 = 96%). A meta-regression analysis demonstrated an association between earlier gestational age at initiation of treatment and a lower risk of preeclampsia development (R2 = 1). Conclusion: Pravastatin treatment prolonged pregnancy duration and improved associated obstetrical outcomes in pregnancies complicated with uteroplacental insufficiency disorders in cohort studies. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ identifier CRD42020165804 17/2/2020.

Considerations for treatment of lipid disorders during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Adequate management of lipid disorders during pregnancy is essential given the association of dyslipidemia with adverse pregnancy outcomes. While there are physiologic changes in lipid levels that occur with normal pregnancy, abnormal alterations in lipids can lead to increased future risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. There are inherent challenges in the treatment of dyslipidemias during pregnancy and the postpartum period given the lack of adequate data in this population and the contraindication of traditional therapeutic agents. However, it remains of utmost importance to optimize screening and identification of patients at high-risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease so that proper counseling can be provided and the risk for pregnancy complications and downstream cardiovascular complications can be addressed. In this review, we summarize the literature on the association of dyslipidemia in pregnancy with adverse outcomes and discuss considerations for the management of lipid disorders during both pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The effect of statins exposure during pregnancy on congenital anomalies and spontaneous abortions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To assess the effect of statin exposure during pregnancy on congenital anomalies and spontaneous abortions.

Data sources: Electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2022.

Study Eligibility Criteria: Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluate the effect of treatment with statins on congenital anomalies in general and cardiac malformations in particular. Studies evaluating spontaneous abortions were included as a secondary outcome.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods: Pooled odds ratio was calculated using a random-effects model and meta-regression was utilized when applicable.

Results: Twelve cohort studies and RCTs were included in the analysis. Pregnancy outcomes of 2,447 women that received statins during pregnancy were compared to 897,280 pregnant women who did not. Treatment with statins was not associated with a higher risk of overall congenital anomalies (Odd Ratio = 1.1, CI (0.9–1.3), p = 0.33, I2 = 0%). Yet, cardiac malformations were more prevalent among neonates born to statins users (OR = 1.4, CI (1.1–1.8), p = 0.02, I² = 0%). The risk was higher when exposure occurred during the first trimester. This finding was statistically significant in cohort studies, but not in RCTs. Statin treatment was also associated with a higher rate of spontaneous abortions (OR = 1.5, CI (1.1–2.0), p = 0.005, I² = 0%). In meta-regression analysis, no significant association between lipophilic statins and the rate of congenital anomalies was found.

Conclusion: Overall, treatment with statins during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies. A slight risk elevation for cardiac malformation and spontaneous abortions was seen in cohort studies but not in RCTs.

Systematic Review Registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier [CRD42020165804 17/2/2020]

The meta-analysis was presented online at 42nd annual meeting of SMFM. January 31-5 February 2022.

Diagnostic biomolecules and combination therapy for pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia (PE), associated with placental malperfusion, is the primary reason for maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity that can cause vascular endothelial injury and multi-organ injury. Despite considerable research efforts, no pharmaceutical has been shown to stop disease progression. If women precisely diagnosed with PE can achieve treatment at early gestation, the maternal and fetal outcomes can be maximally optimized by expectant management. Current diagnostic approaches applying maternal characteristics or biophysical markers, including blood test, urine analysis and biophysical profile, possess limitations in the precise diagnosis of PE. Biochemical factor research associated with PE development has generated ambitious diagnostic targets based on PE pathogenesis and dissecting molecular phenotypes. This review focuses on current developments in biochemical prediction of PE and the corresponding interventions to ameliorate disease progression, aiming to provide references for clinical diagnoses and treatments.

Statins in High Cardiovascular Risk Patients: Do Comorbidities and Characteristics Matter?

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) morbidity and mortality are decreasing in high-income countries, but ASCVD remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in high-income countries. Over the past few decades, major risk factors for ASCVD, including LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), have been identified. Statins are the drug of choice for patients at increased risk of ASCVD and remain one of the most commonly used and effective drugs for reducing LDL cholesterol and the risk of mortality and coronary artery disease in high-risk groups. Unfortunately, doctors tend to under-prescribe or under-dose these drugs, mostly out of fear of side effects. The latest guidelines emphasize that treatment intensity should increase with increasing cardiovascular risk and that the decision to initiate intervention remains a matter of individual consideration and shared decision-making. The purpose of this review was to analyze the indications for initiation or continuation of statin therapy in different categories of patient with high cardiovascular risk, considering their complexity and comorbidities in order to personalize treatment.

Prevention and Management of Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

Severe gestational hypertriglyceridemia can lead to acute pancreatitis, with maternal mortality rate of approximately 20%. The recent National Lipid Association part 2 expert panel recommendations provide guidance on monitoring pregnant women at high risk for hyperlipidemia. We suggest that high-risk women have triglyceride levels checked once every trimester. Fasting triglycerides >250 mg/dL should prompt monthly triglyceride levels, screening for gestational diabetes, and implementing a strict low-carbohydrate, low-fat diet, exercise. Fasting triglycerides >500 mg/dL, despite a strict dietary and lifestyle modifications, should prompt treatment with omega-3-fatty acids and continue a fat-restricted diet (<20 g total fat/d or <15% total calories) under the guidance of a registered dietician. The use of fibrates should be considered as a second-line therapy due to their unclear risk versus benefit and potential teratogenic effects. Plasmapheresis should be considered early in asymptomatic pregnant women with fasting triglyceride levels >1000 mg/dL or in pregnant women with clinical signs and symptoms of pancreatitis and triglyceride levels >500 mg/dL despite maximal lifestyle changes and pharmacologic therapy.

Diet and pravastatin administration prior to in vitro fertilization treatment may improve pregnancy outcome in women with dyslipidemia

In this study, we aimed to identify whether using statins may increase the chance of pregnancy in In Vitro Fertilisation / Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (IVF/ICSI) patients with hyperlipidaemia. Therefore, in this retrospective cohort study, 70 patients constituted the study population and all patients were managed by lipid lowering diet. Ten mg pravastatin (pravachol DEVA, Istanbul, Turkey) was added to therapy in case of resistant hypercholesterolaemia after 15 days of the diet. Fifty-one patients were treated with diet only and the remaining nineteen patients were offered both diet and pravastatin. Clinical pregnancy rate was significantly better with the patients who used pravastatin (68.4% vs. 39.2%, p = .029). Ongoing pregnancy rates were 63.2% and 33.3% with pravastatin and diet only, respectively, which were statistically significant (p:.024). According to multivariate analysis, pravastatin use was found independently and statistically significant for clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rate after IVF/ICSI in patients with dyslipidemia (HR 3.79; 95% CI 1.31-10.97; p:.014 and HR 3.18; 95% CI 1.22-8.27; p:.018). When we analysed stratified data according to the AMH levels, we noticed that as AMH levels increased, the pregnancy rates increased; the most benefit from pravastatin was in the group with AMH levels >2 ng/mL.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Dyslipidemia in In IVF/ICSI patients with polycystic ovary syndrome had negative impact on pregnancy ratesWhat the results of this study add? The findings of the study support that pravastatin may help to improve pregnancy outcome, especially in normal and high responders, regardless of whether decreased serum LDL or total cholesterol level.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? As a result of our data, we speculated that it should be routine to investigate the lipid profile in every IVF/ICSI patient and should be treated accordingly, if necessary.

The role of statins in the prevention of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with considerable neonatal and maternal morbidities and mortalities. However, the exact cause of preeclampsia remains unknown; it is generally accepted that abnormal placentation resulting in the release of soluble antiangiogenic factors, coupled with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, leads to systemic endothelial dysfunction and the clinical manifestations of the disease. Statins have been found to correct similar pathophysiological pathways that underlie the development of preeclampsia. Pravastatin, specifically, has been reported in various preclinical and clinical studies to reverse the pregnancy-specific angiogenic imbalance associated with preeclampsia, to restore global endothelial health, and to prevent oxidative and inflammatory injury. Human studies have found a favorable safety profile for pravastatin, and more recent evidence does not support the previous teratogenic concerns surrounding statins in pregnancy. With reassuring and positive findings from pilot studies and strong biological plausibility, statins should be investigated in large clinical randomized-controlled trials for the prevention of preeclampsia.

Explainable multimodal machine learning model for classifying pregnancy drug safety

MOTIVATION

Teratogenic drugs can cause severe fetal malformation and therefore have critical impact on the health of the fetus, yet the teratogenic risks are unknown for most approved drugs. This article proposes an explainable machine learning model for classifying pregnancy drug safety based on multimodal data and suggests an orthogonal ensemble for modeling multimodal data. To train the proposed model, we created a set of labeled drugs by processing over 100 000 textual responses collected by a large teratology information service. Structured textual information is incorporated into the model by applying clustering analysis to textual features.

RESULTS

We report an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.891 using cross-validation and an AUC of 0.904 for cross-expert validation. Our findings suggest the safety of two drugs during pregnancy, Varenicline and Mebeverine, and suggest that Meloxicam, an NSAID, is of higher risk; according to existing data, the safety of these three drugs during pregnancy is unknown. We also present a web-based application that enables physicians to examine a specific drug and its risk factors.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

The code and data is available from https://github.com/goolig/drug_safety_pregnancy_prediction.git.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Antepartum and postpartum changes in adipokines, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory markers and other biochemical parameters in preeclamptic women: A prospective observational cohort study

This study aimed at evaluating the role played by insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorder, oxidative stress, resistin, vaspin, Interleukin-18 and asymmetric dimethyl arginine as a marker for endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This prospective observational cohort study involved 60 women who were classified into: 20 non-pregnant women (group 1 or control group), 20 normally pregnant women (group 2) and 20 preeclamptic women (group 3) at their third trimester. The pregnant women were assessed at their third trimester and further re-evaluated four weeks after delivery. The assessment included demography, assessment of proteinuria and urinary protein to creatinine ratio, blood pressure measurement and assessment of fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin level, lipid panel and the circulating levels of malondialdehyde, resistin, vaspin, interleukin-18 and asymmetric dimethyl arginine. Preeclamptic women showed more atherogenic lipid profile, significantly higher Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and significantly elevated levels of malondialdehyde, resistin, vaspin and interleukin-18 than the other study groups. Serum asymmetric dimethyl arginine concentration showed non-significant difference among the three study groups. The levels of resistin and vaspin showed significant decrease four weeks postpartum in preeclamptic group. We concluded that, preeclampsia was associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation and significant changes in adipokines; resistin and vaspin. Furthermore, the significant increase in the serum levels of resistin and vaspin at the third trimester and their significant decline four weeks postpartum in preeclamptic group focus the attention on the role played by these adipokines in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

A randomized pilot clinical trial of pravastatin versus placebo in pregnant patients at high risk of preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia remains a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Biologic plausibility, compelling preliminary data, and a pilot clinical trial support the safety and utility of pravastatin for the prevention of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE

We previously reported the results of a phase I clinical trial using a low dose (10 mg) of pravastatin in high-risk pregnant women. Here, we report a follow-up, randomized trial of 20 mg pravastatin versus placebo among pregnant women with previous preeclampsia who required delivery before 34+6 weeks' gestation with the objective of evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetic parameters of pravastatin.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a pilot, multicenter, blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of women with singleton, nonanomalous pregnancies at high risk for preeclampsia. Women between 12+0 and 16+6 weeks of gestation were assigned to receive a daily pravastatin dose of 20 mg or placebo orally until delivery. In addition, steady-state pravastatin pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and at 4 to 6 months postpartum. Primary outcomes included maternal-fetal safety and pharmacokinetic parameters of pravastatin during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included maternal and umbilical cord blood chemistries and maternal and neonatal outcomes, including rates of preeclampsia and preterm delivery, gestational age at delivery, and birthweight.

RESULTS

Of note, 10 women assigned to receive pravastatin and 10 assigned to receive the placebo completed the trial. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in the rates of adverse or serious adverse events, congenital anomalies, or maternal and umbilical cord blood chemistries. Headache followed by heartburn and musculoskeletal pain were the most common side effects. We report the pravastatin pharmacokinetic parameters including pravastatin area under the curve (total drug exposure over a dosing interval), apparent oral clearance, half-life, and others during pregnancy and compare it with those values measured during the postpartum period. In the majority of the umbilical cord and maternal samples at the time of delivery, pravastatin concentrations were below the limit of quantification of the assay. The pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were more favorable in the pravastatin group. All newborns passed their brainstem auditory evoked response potential or similar hearing screening tests. The average maximum concentration and area under the curve values were more than 2-fold higher following a daily 20 mg dose compared with a 10 mg daily pravastatin dose, but the apparent oral clearance, half-life, and time to reach maximum concentration were similar, which is consistent with the previously reported linear, dose-independent pharmacokinetics of pravastatin in nonpregnant subjects.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the overall safety and favorable pregnancy outcomes for pravastatin in women at high risk for preeclampsia. This favorable risk-benefit analysis justifies a larger clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of pravastatin for the prevention of preeclampsia. Until then, pravastatin use during pregnancy remains investigational.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of statins on pregnancy outcomes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Statins are contraindicated in pregnancy, due to their potential teratogenicity. However, data are still inconsistent and some even suggest a potential benefit of statin use against pregnancy complications. We aimed to investigate the effects of statins on pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth, fetal abortion, and preterm delivery, through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the available clinical studies.

METHODS

A literature search was performed through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 16 May 2020. Data were extracted from 18 clinical studies (7 cohort studies, 2 clinical trials, 3 case reports, and 6 case series). Random effect meta-analyses were conducted using the restricted maximum likelihood method. The common effect sizes were calculated as odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) for each main outcome.

RESULTS

Finally, nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant association between statin therapy and stillbirth [OR (95% CI) = 1.30 (0.56, 3.02), p=0.54; I² = 0%]. While statin exposure was significantly associated with increased rates of spontaneous abortion [OR (95% CI) = 1.36 (1.10-1.68), p=0.004, I² = 0%], it was non-significantly associated with increased rates of induced abortion [OR (95% CI) = 2.08 (0.81, 5.36), p=0.129, I² = 17.33%] and elective abortion [OR (95% CI) = 1.37 (0.68, 2.76), p=0.378, I² = 62.46%]. A non-significant numerically reduced rate of preterm delivery was observed in statin users [OR (95% CI) = 0.47 (0.06, 3.70), p=0.47, I² = 76.35%].

CONCLUSIONS

Statin therapy seems to be safe as it was not associated with stillbirth or induced and elective abortion rates. Significant increase after statin therapy was, however, observed for spontaneous abortion. These results need to be confirmed and validated in future studies.

Fetal toxicity associated with statins: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Statins are the drugs of choice for decreasing elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Based mostly on animal studies and case reports, they are forbidden to pregnant women and in the preconception period because of their possible teratogenic effects, for which causality has never been proven. The aim of this study was to systematically review the existing studies and to perform a meta-analysis on this topic.

METHODS

The databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched since the inception until May 16, 2020. The risk of bias for each clinical trial was evaluated using the Cochrane handbook criteria for systematic reviews. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool was used for the evaluation of cohort and cross-sectional studies. Meta-analysis was performed on the extracted data. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² measure and Cochrane's Q statistic. We calculated a pooled estimate of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

23 studies (nine cohort studies, six case reports, six case series, one population-based case-referent study and one clinical trial) with 1,276,973 participants were included in the systematic review and 6 of them (n = 1,267,240 participants) were included in meta-analysis. The results of the critical review did not suggest a clear-cut answer to the question whether statin treatment during pregnancy is associated with an increased rate of birth defects or not, while the results of the meta-analysis indicated that statin use does not increase birth defects [OR (95%CI): 1.48 (0.90, 2.42), p = 0.509], including cardiac anomalies [2.53 (0.81, 7.93), p = 0.112] and other congenital anomalies [1.19 (0.70, 2.03), p = 0.509)].

CONCLUSIONS

We observed no significant increase of birth defects after statin therapy. Thus, there is still no undoubtful evidence that statin treatment during pregnancy is teratogenic, and this issue still needs to be investigated, especially there are more and more pregnant women at high CVD risk that could have benefited from the statin therapy.

Women Living with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Challenges and Considerations Surrounding Their Care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight the gender-based differences in presentation and disparities in care for women with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).

RECENT FINDINGS

Women with FH experience specific barriers to care including underrepresentation in research, significant underappreciation of risk, and interrupted therapy during childbearing. National and international registry and clinical trial data show significant healthcare disparities for women with FH. Women with FH are less likely to be on guideline-recommended high-intensity statin medications and those placed on statins are more likely to discontinue them within their first year. Women with FH are also less likely to be on regimens including non-statin agents such as PCSK9 inhibitors. As a result, women with FH are less likely to achieve target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets, even those with prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). FH is common, under-diagnosed, and under-treated. Disparities of care are more pronounced in women than men. Additionally, FH weighs differently on women throughout the course of their lives starting from choosing contraceptives as young girls along with lipid-lowering therapy, timing pregnancy, choosing breastfeeding or resumption of therapy, and finally deciding goals of care during menopause. Early identification and appropriate treatment prior to interruptions of therapy for childbearing can lead to marked reduction in morbidity and mortality. Women access care differently than men and increasing awareness among all providers, especially cardio-obstetricians, may improve diagnostic rates. Understanding the unique challenges women with FH face is crucial to close the gaps in care they experience.

Pregnancy and cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease complicates 1-4% of pregnancies - with a higher prevalence when including hypertensive disorders - and is the leading cause of maternal death. In women with known cardiovascular pathology, such as congenital heart disease, timely counselling is possible and the outcome is fairly good. By contrast, maternal mortality is high in women with acquired heart disease that presents during pregnancy (such as acute coronary syndrome or aortic dissection). Worryingly, the prevalence of acquired cardiovascular disease during pregnancy is rising as older maternal age, obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension become more common in the pregnant population. Management of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy is challenging owing to the unique maternal physiology, characterized by profound changes to multiple organ systems. The presence of the fetus compounds the situation because both the cardiometabolic disease and its management might adversely affect the fetus. Equally, avoiding essential treatment because of potential fetal harm risks a poor outcome for both mother and child. In this Review, we examine how the physiological adaptations during pregnancy can provoke cardiometabolic complications or exacerbate existing cardiometabolic disease and, conversely, how cardiometabolic disease can compromise the adaptations to pregnancy and their intended purpose: the development and growth of the fetus.

Pravastatin for preeclampsia: From animal to human

Preeclampsia is characterized by the emergence of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and it threatens both maternal and fetal lives if it proceeds unabated. Despite numerous studies, thus far the only fundamental therapy for preeclampsia is termination of pregnancy, leading to preterm birth. Furthermore, preeclamptic women are reported to be at risk for cardiovascular diseases for 10 years after delivery. Therefore, preventative and therapeutic strategies for preeclampsia are required. Recently, statins have been reported to improve the regeneration of vascular endothelium, and pravastatin has attracted attention as a potential preventative or therapeutic candidate for preeclampsia. Pravastatin has been demonstrated to have preventative effects in preeclampsia model mice, and a large volume of human data from pregnant women taking statins supports the safety of these drugs. Moreover, small clinical trials have reported that pravastatin has strong preventative or therapeutic effects on preeclampsia and it has the potential to improve the prognosis of pregnant women, fetuses and neonates affected by this condition.

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia in 2020: A Leading Tier 1 Genomic Application

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is caused by a major genetic defect in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) clearance pathway. Characterised by LDL-cholesterol elevation from birth, FH confers a significant risk for premature coronary artery disease (CAD) if overlooked and untreated. With risk exposure beginning at birth, early detection and intervention is crucial for the prevention of CAD. Lowering LDL-cholesterol with lifestyle and statin therapy can reduce the risk of CAD. However, most individuals with FH will not reach guideline recommended LDL-cholesterol targets. FH has an estimated prevalence of approximately 1:250 in the community. Multiple strategies are required for screening, diagnosing and treating FH. Recent publications on FH provide new data for developing models of care, including new therapies. This review provides an overview of FH and outlines some recent advances in the care of FH for the prevention of CAD in affected families. The future care of FH in Australia should be developed within the context of the National Health Genomics Policy Framework.

Factors influencing harmonized health data collection, sharing and linkage in Denmark and Switzerland: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The digitalization of medicine has led to a considerable growth of heterogeneous health datasets, which could improve healthcare research if integrated into the clinical life cycle. This process requires, amongst other things, the harmonization of these datasets, which is a prerequisite to improve their quality, re-usability and interoperability. However, there is a wide range of factors that either hinder or favor the harmonized collection, sharing and linkage of health data.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to identify barriers and facilitators to health data harmonization-including data sharing and linkage-by a comparative analysis of studies from Denmark and Switzerland.

METHODS

Publications from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and CINAHL involving cross-institutional or cross-border collection, sharing or linkage of health data from Denmark or Switzerland were searched to identify the reported barriers and facilitators to data harmonization.

RESULTS

Of the 345 projects included, 240 were single-country and 105 were multinational studies. Regarding national projects, a Swiss study reported on average more barriers and facilitators than a Danish study. Barriers and facilitators of a technical nature were most frequently reported.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review gathered evidence from Denmark and Switzerland on barriers and facilitators concerning data harmonization, sharing and linkage. Barriers and facilitators were strictly interrelated with the national context where projects were carried out. Structural changes, such as legislation implemented at the national level, were mirrored in the projects. This underlines the impact of national strategies in the field of health data. Our findings also suggest that more openness and clarity in the reporting of both barriers and facilitators to data harmonization constitute a key element to promote the successful management of new projects using health data and the implementation of proper policies in this field. Our study findings are thus meaningful beyond these two countries.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with history of coronary artery disease

Background

Pregnancy outcomes in women with pre-existing coronary artery disease (CAD) are poorly described. There is a paucity of data therefore on which to base clinical management to counsel women, with regard to both maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Method

We conducted a retrospective multicentre study of women with established CAD delivering at 16 UK specialised cardiac obstetric clinics. We included pregnancies of 24 weeks’ gestation or more, delivered between January 1998 and October 2018. Data were collected on maternal cardiovascular, obstetric and neonatal events.

Results

79 women who had 92 pregnancies (94 babies including two sets of twins) were identified. 35.9% had body mass index >30% and 24.3% were current smokers. 18/79 (22.8%) had prior diabetes, 27/79 (34.2%) had dyslipidaemia and 21/79 (26.2%) had hypertension. The underlying CAD was due to atherosclerosis in 52/79 (65.8%), spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in 11/79 (13.9%), coronary artery spasm in 7/79 (8.9%) and thrombus in 9/79 (11.4%).

There were six adverse cardiac events (6.6% event rate), one non-ST elevation myocardial infarction at 23 weeks’ gestation, two SCAD recurrences (one at 26 weeks’ gestation and one at 9 weeks’ postpartum), one symptomatic deterioration in left ventricular function and two women with worsening angina. 14% of women developed pre-eclampsia, 25% delivered preterm and 25% of infants were born small for gestational age.

Conclusion

Women with established CAD have relatively low rates of adverse cardiac events in pregnancy. Rates of adverse obstetric and neonatal events are greater, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care.

Pravastatin for Preventing and Treating Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review

Importance

We have performed a systematic search to summarize the role of statins for preventing and treating severe preeclampsia.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether pravastatin is a useful and safe alternative for treating preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Evidence Acquisition

A systematic MEDLINE (PubMed) search was performed (1979 to June 2017), which was restricted to articles published in English, using the relevant key words of "statins," "pregnancy," "preeclampsia," "obstetrical antiphospholipid syndrome," and "teratogenicity."

Results

The initial search provided 296 articles. Finally, 146 articles were related to the use of statins during pregnancy, regarding their effect on the fetus and the treatment of preeclampsia. Ten studies were related to in vitro studies, 25 in animals, and 24 in humans (13 case report series and 11 cohort studies). We found 84 studies on reviews of such guidelines on cardiovascular disease (35 studies), use of statins in the antiphospholipid syndrome (25 studies), statin's specific use during pregnancy (13 studies), or preeclampsia treatment (11 studies).

Conclusions

Although the studies are of poor quality, the rate of major congenital abnormalities in the newborn exposed to statins during pregnancy is no higher than the expected when compared with overall risk population. The review shows a potential beneficial role of statins in preventing and treating severe preeclampsia that needs to be evaluated through well-designed clinical trials.

Relevance

This update could influence positively the clinical practice, giving an alternative therapy for clinicians who treat preeclampsia, particularly in severe cases.

Stabilizing cumulative incidence estimation of pregnancy outcome with delayed entries

A pregnancy may end up with (at least) three possible events: live birth, spontaneous abortion, or elective termination, yielding a competing risks issue when studying an association between a risk factor and a pregnancy outcome. Cumulative incidences (probabilities to end up with the different outcomes depending on gestational age) can be estimated via the Aalen-Johansen estimate. Another issue is that women are usually not entering such an observational study from the first day of pregnancy, resulting in delayed entries. As in traditional survival analysis, this can be solved by considering "at risk" at a given gestational age only for those women who entered the study before that age. However, the number of women at risk at an early gestational age might be extremely low, such that the estimates of cumulative incidence may increase exaggeratedly at that age because of a single event. One solution to reduce the problem has been recently proposed in the literature, which is to ignore simply those early events, creating a small mean bias but enhancing stability of estimates. In the present paper, we propose an alternative computationally simple approach to tackle this problem that consists to postpone to later gestational ages (rather than to ignore) those early events. The two approaches are compared with respect to bias, stability, and sensitivity on the smoothing parameter via simulations reproducing realistic pregnancy scenarios, and are illustrated with data from a study on the effects of statins on pregnancy outcomes. We also outline that all three approaches are asymptotically equivalent.

Aspirin Effect on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Associated With Stage 1 Hypertension in a High-Risk Cohort

Recently, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines revised the recommendations for diagnosis of chronic hypertension. The new classification system includes a diagnosis of stage 1 hypertension in adults with blood pressures 130 to 139/80 to 89 mm Hg. We sought to compare outcomes among women at high risk for preeclampsia with stage 1 hypertension and assessed whether women with stage 1 hypertension had benefit from aspirin treatment compared with high-risk normotensive women. We performed a secondary analysis of the high-risk aspirin trial and included women with prior preeclampsia or diabetes mellitus. Among these women, 827 (81%) were classified as normotensive, whereas 193 (19%) were classified as stage 1 hypertensive. Among women receiving placebo, preeclampsia occurred significantly more often in women with stage 1 hypertension compared with normotensive high-risk women after adjustment for maternal age and body mass index (39.1% versus 15.1%; risk ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.74-3.55). Further, women with stage 1 hypertension had a significant risk reduction related to aspirin prophylaxis (risk ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.94) that was not seen in normotensive high-risk women (risk ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-1.34). Application of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines in a high-risk population demonstrates that in the setting of other risk factors, the presence of stage 1 hypertension is associated with a significantly increased risk of preeclampsia when compared with high-risk normotensive women. These findings emphasize the importance of recognition of stage 1 hypertension as an additive risk factor in women at high risk for preeclampsia and the benefit of aspirin.

Ethical approval for multicenter cohort studies on drug exposure during pregnancy: A survey among members of the European Network of Teratology Information Services (ENTIS)

The European Network of Teratology Information Services (ENTIS) is in a privileged position to perform independent post-marketing surveillance of drugs in pregnancy. The aim of this survey was to describe the legal requirements and procedures involved in obtaining ethical approval for collaborative cohort studies. We sent a survey questionnaire to all 28 Teratology Information Services (TIS), of which 25 (89%) in 18 countries completed our questionnaire. For 15 TIS, specific research ethical approval was mandatory. The review process was estimated to last from 2 up to 16 weeks. Procedures for patients' information and consent were oral (12), written (5) or both (3). Five TIS had no requirement to inform patients and seek consent. Since data on drug exposure during pregnancy are scarce, ENTIS research efforts should be further encouraged, and procedures optimized so that legitimate ethical and legal requirements do not translate into deterrent administrative constraints and costs.

Causes and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke During Pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Treatment recommendations for pregnancy associated ischemic stroke are scarce. This may be due to the fact that, in general, obstetricians tend not to make recommendations for stroke patients and neurologists are not commonly involved in the care of pregnant women. Herein, we review the multiple etiologies of ischemic stroke during pregnancy, considerations for diagnostic testing, and acute treatment and prevention options, including associated risks specific to the pregnant and puerperal state.

RECENT FINDINGS

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and endovascular thrombectomy have been used successfully to treat pregnant women with acute ischemic stroke. Recent national guidelines recommend considering tPA use during pregnancy for moderate and severe strokes if the potential benefits offset the risks of uterine hemorrhage. Pregnancy-associated ischemic stroke is rare, but can be devastating, and recanalization therapy should not be systematically withheld. Women who are at risk for stroke should be followed carefully, and providers caring for pregnant women should be educated regarding stroke signs and symptoms. Many of the standard post stroke diagnostic modalities may be used safely in pregnancy, and primary and secondary stroke prevention therapy must be tailored to avoid fetal toxicity.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Pregnancy: Outcomes From an Australian Tertiary Centre for Maternal Medicine and Review of the Current Literature

BACKGROUND

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is associated with significant risks of decline in left ventricular function and adverse maternal and fetal outcome in subsequent pregnancy. The risks of pregnancy in women with dilated cardiomyopathy are unclear. We aimed to assess the outcome of pregnancy in women with dilated cardiomyopathy seen at our institution and to review the literature on this subject.

METHODS

A retrospective audit of the outcomes of 14 pregnancies to 12 women with dilated cardiomyopathy.

RESULTS

There were no cardiac events and no woman had a decline in left ventricular function during pregnancy. There was a high rate of prematurity and adverse fetal outcome related to this, including four neonatal deaths.

CONCLUSION

Maternal outcomes in this small series were satisfactory though only three women had moderate-severe left ventricular dysfunction at baseline. There was a high rate of premature delivery and adverse neonatal outcome.

Therapeutic Roles of Statins in Gynecology and Obstetrics: The Current Evidence

INTRODUCTION

Statins are a class of drugs, which act by inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase). The inhibition of mevalonate synthesis leads to subsequent inhibition of downstream products of this pathway, which explains the pleiotropic effects of these agents in addition to their well-known lipid-lowering effects. Accumulating evidence suggests that statins might be beneficial in various obstetric and gynecologic conditions.

METHODS

Literature searches were performed in PubMed and EMBASE for articles with content related to statins in obstetrics and gynecology. The findings are hereby reviewed and discussed.

RESULTS

Inhibition of mevalonate pathway leads to subsequent inhibition of downstream products such as geranyl pyrophosphate, farnesyl pyrophosphate, and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. These products are required for proper intracellular localization of several proteins, which play important roles in signaling pathways by regulating membrane trafficking, motility, proliferation, differentiation, and cytoskeletal organization. The pleiotropic effects of statins can be summarized in 4 categories: antiproliferative, anti-invasive, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic. The growing body of evidence is promising for these agents to be beneficial in endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, adhesion prevention, ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Although in vivo studies showed varying degrees of benefit on fibroids and preterm birth, appropriately designed clinical trials are needed to make definitive conclusions.

CONCLUSION

Statins might play a role in the treatment of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, adhesion prevention, ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, and antiphospholipid syndrome.

Canadian stroke best practice consensus statement: Secondary stroke prevention during pregnancy

The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Consensus Statement: Secondary Stroke Prevention during Pregnancy, is the first of a two-part series devoted to stroke in pregnancy. This document focuses on unique aspects of secondary stroke prevention in a woman with a prior history of stroke or transient ischemic attack who is, or is planning to become, pregnant. Although stroke is relatively rare in this cohort, several aspects of pregnancy can increase stroke risk during or immediately after pregnancy. The rationale for the development of this consensus statement is based on the premise that stroke in this group requires a specifically-tailored management approach. No other broad-based, stroke-specific guidelines or consensus statements exist currently. Underpinning the development of this document was the concept that maternal health is vital for fetal wellbeing; therefore, management decisions should be based on the confluence of two clinical considerations: (a) decisions that would be made if the patient was not pregnant and (b) decisions that would be made if the patient had not had a stroke. While empirical research in this area is limited, this consensus document is based on the best available literature and guided by expert consensus. Issues addressed in this document include general management considerations for secondary stroke prevention, the use of antithrombotics, blood pressure management, lipid management, diabetes care, and management for specific ischemic stroke etiologies in pregnancy. The focus is on maternal and fetal health while minimizing risks of a recurrent stroke, through counseling, monitoring, and the safety of select pharmacotherapy. These statements are appropriate for health care professionals across all disciplines.