1
|
Hasser C, Ameresekere M, Girgis C, Knapp J, Shah R. Striking the Balance: Bipolar Disorder in the Perinatal Period. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2024; 22:3-15. [PMID: 38694148 PMCID: PMC11058914 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20230020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The authors reviewed the literature, published between 2018 and 2023, on treating bipolar disorder in the perinatal period in order to summarize current treatment perspectives. Mood episodes occur during pregnancy and there are high rates of both initial onset and recurrence in the postpartum period. Bipolar disorder itself is associated with higher risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational hypertension, hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, and small for gestational age infants. A general principle of perinatal treatment includes maintaining psychiatric stability of the pregnant person while reducing medication exposure risk to the fetus. A variety of factors can compromise psychiatric stability, including rapid discontinuation of stabilizing medications, decreased efficacy due to physiologic changes of pregnancy, and exacerbation of underlying psychiatric illness. Psychosocial interventions include optimizing sleep, increasing support, and reducing stress. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends against discontinuing or withholding medications solely due to pregnancy or lactation status. Individualized treatment involves a discussion of the risks of undertreated bipolar disorder weighed against the risks of individual medication choice based on available evidence regarding congenital malformations, adverse neonatal and obstetrical events, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Valproate is not a first-line treatment due to higher risks. Data are lacking on safety for many newer medications. The authors review current safety data regarding lithium, lamotrigine, and antipsychotics, which are the most commonly used treatments for managing bipolar disorder in the perinatal period. Due to physiologic changes during pregnancy, frequent therapeutic drug monitoring and dose adjustments are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Hasser
- Department of Psychiatry (Hasser, Knapp, Shah) and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Knapp), School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, Oregon (Hasser, Shah); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston (Ameresekere); Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois (Girgis); Department of Psychiatry, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Maywood, Illinois (Girgis)
| | - Maithri Ameresekere
- Department of Psychiatry (Hasser, Knapp, Shah) and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Knapp), School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, Oregon (Hasser, Shah); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston (Ameresekere); Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois (Girgis); Department of Psychiatry, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Maywood, Illinois (Girgis)
| | - Christina Girgis
- Department of Psychiatry (Hasser, Knapp, Shah) and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Knapp), School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, Oregon (Hasser, Shah); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston (Ameresekere); Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois (Girgis); Department of Psychiatry, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Maywood, Illinois (Girgis)
| | - Jacquelyn Knapp
- Department of Psychiatry (Hasser, Knapp, Shah) and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Knapp), School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, Oregon (Hasser, Shah); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston (Ameresekere); Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois (Girgis); Department of Psychiatry, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Maywood, Illinois (Girgis)
| | - Riva Shah
- Department of Psychiatry (Hasser, Knapp, Shah) and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Knapp), School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, Oregon (Hasser, Shah); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston (Ameresekere); Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois (Girgis); Department of Psychiatry, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Maywood, Illinois (Girgis)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Whaites Heinonen E, Tötterman K, Bäck K, Sarman I, Forsberg L, Svedenkrans J. High lithium concentration at delivery is a potential risk factor for adverse outcomes in breastfed infants: a retrospective cohort study. Int J Bipolar Disord 2023; 11:36. [PMID: 38032417 PMCID: PMC10689698 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-023-00317-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal effects of late intrauterine and early postpartum exposure to lithium through mother's own milk are scarcely studied. It is unclear whether described symptoms in breastfed neonates are caused by placental lithium transfer or postnatal exposure to lithium through breastfeeding. We aimed to investigate lithium clearance and neonatal morbidity in breastfed infants with high versus low serum lithium concentrations at birth. METHODS This retrospective study focused on breastfed infants to women treated with lithium during and after pregnancy, born between 2006 and 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden. Information on serum lithium concentrations and adverse neonatal outcomes was obtained from medical records. Neonatal symptoms and lithium clearance were compared between a high exposure group (HEG, lithium concentrations ≥ 0.6 meq/l) and a low exposure group (LEG, < 0.6 meq/l). RESULTS A total of 25 infant-mother dyads were included. Median lithium serum concentration at birth was 0.90 meq/l in the HEG as compared with 0.40 meq/l in the LEG (p < 0.05). The difference was still significant at follow-up (0.20 meq/l vs 0.06 meq/l, p < 0.05), despite reduction in maternal dose. The rate of neonatal symptoms was 85.7% in HEG and 41.2% in LEG (p = 0.08) at birth and 28.6% vs 11.8% at follow-up (p = 0.55). Furthermore, 28.6% of infants in HEG were admitted to neonatal care, vs 5.9% in LEG (p = 0.19). Two infants in the HEG had therapeutic lithium levels at follow-up. All infants with symptoms at follow-up were either in the HEG or exposed to additional psychotropic medication. CONCLUSIONS Neonatal symptoms are common after late intrauterine lithium exposure, however transient, treatable and mostly mild. In this study, a high lithium concentration at birth was a risk factor for an increased lithium level at follow-up. Polypharmacy may constitute an additional risk factor. This study suggests that the late intrauterine exposure to lithium might add to the adverse effects in lithium-exposed, breastfed infants. Consequently we recommend breastfed infants with therapeutic lithium concentrations at birth to be followed up promptly to avoid lithium toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Essi Whaites Heinonen
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Div of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 6A, 14157, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Neonatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Karin Bäck
- Department of Neonatology, St Goran Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ihsan Sarman
- Department of Clinical Science and Education Stockholm South Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Forsberg
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Div of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 6A, 14157, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Svedenkrans
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Div of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 6A, 14157, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neonatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Asplund AB, Sköld PD, Lind LK, Cesta CE, Dahl ML, Jonsson EW, Andersson ML. Medicines postpartum in Sweden and coverage in Janusmed Breastfeeding. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 79:1261-1269. [PMID: 37452835 PMCID: PMC10427528 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this article is (1) to investigate which medicines are prescribed and dispensed to women the first 6 months postpartum, (2) to identify medicines dispensed postpartum but not recommended during breastfeeding, and (3) to find medicines commonly dispensed postpartum, but not currently included in Janusmed Breastfeeding. METHODS In this register-based cohort study covering births between January 2017 and August 2019, the Swedish Medical Birth Register (MBR), the Prescribed Drug Register, and Janusmed Breastfeeding were linked to identify medicines dispensed to women during the first 6 months postpartum, and how they are covered and classified in Janusmed Breastfeeding. RESULTS During the first 6 months postpartum, 66% of women purchased at least one prescription medicine from the pharmacy. The most common medicines were contraceptive agents, analgesics, antibiotics, and glucocorticoids. A third of the 30 most commonly dispensed medicines have no information available about the safety of use in breastfeeding. The most dispensed medicines, where the database advises against use in breastfeeding, included several antitussive agents, a local anaesthetic, and several gestagens. The most commonly dispensed medicines not covered by the Janusmed Breastfeeding were medicines for dry eyes, for assisted reproduction, and HIV. CONCLUSION Prescribed medicines compatible with breastfeeding are more common during the first 6 months postpartum than medicines not compatible with breastfeeding, but medicines which lack evidence for safety in breastfeeding are still commonly used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A B Asplund
- Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - P Dreher Sköld
- Department of Knowledge Development, Health and Medical Care Administration, Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L Karlsson Lind
- Department of Knowledge Development, Health and Medical Care Administration, Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C E Cesta
- Department of Medicine Solna, Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M L Dahl
- Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E Wikström Jonsson
- Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M L Andersson
- Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Torfs M, Hompes T, Ceulemans M, Van Calsteren K, Vanhole C, Smits A. Early Postnatal Outcome and Care after in Utero Exposure to Lithium: A Single Center Analysis of a Belgian Tertiary University Hospital. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10111. [PMID: 36011745 PMCID: PMC9407712 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the impact of in utero exposure to lithium during the postnatal period is limited. Besides a possible teratogenic effect during the first trimester, exposure during the second and third trimesters might lead to neonatal effects. Uniform guidelines for postnatal management of these neonates are lacking. The aim was to retrospectively describe all neonates admitted to the University Hospitals Leuven after in utero exposure to lithium (January 2010 to April 2020), and to propose a postnatal care protocol. Descriptive statistics were performed. For continuous parameters with serial measurements, median population values were calculated. In total, 10 mother-neonate pairs were included. The median gestational age was 37 (interquartile range, IQR, 36-39) weeks. Neonatal plasma lithium concentration at birth was 0.65 (IQR 0.56-0.83) mmol/L with a median neonate/mother ratio of 1.02 (IQR 0.87-1.08). Three neonates needed respiratory support, 7/10 started full enteral (formula) feeding on day 1. The median length of neonatal stay was 8.5 (IQR 8-12) days. One neonate developed nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. This study reported in detail the postnatal characteristics and short-term neonatal outcomes. A postnatal care protocol was proposed, to enhance the quality of care for future neonates, and to guide parental counselling. Future prospective protocol evaluation is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlien Torfs
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Titia Hompes
- Mind-Body Research Unit, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Adult Psychiatry UPC, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- L-C&Y, Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael Ceulemans
- L-C&Y, Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Teratology Information Service, Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 5237 MH Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Kristel Van Calsteren
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Vanhole
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne Smits
- L-C&Y, Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|