Safety of Amlodipine in Early Pregnancy

The association between blood pressure control in women during pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes: the TMM BirThree Cohort Study

Blood pressure (BP) control in pregnancy is essential to prevent adverse outcomes. However, BP levels for hypertension treatment are inconsistent among various guidelines. This study investigated the association between BP control and adverse perinatal outcomes. A total of 18,155 mother-offspring pairs were classified into four groups according to BP after 20 gestational weeks: normal BP (<140/90 mmHg without antihypertensive drugs), high BP (≥140/90 mmHg without antihypertensive drugs), controlled BP (<140/90 mmHg with antihypertensive drugs), and uncontrolled BP (≥140/90 mmHg with antihypertensive drugs). The prevalence of small for gestational age was 1,087/17,476 offspring in normal BP, 78/604 in high BP, 5/42 in controlled BP, and 7/33 in uncontrolled BP. Compared to normal BP, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) were 1.76 (1.32-2.35) for high BP, 2.08 (0.79-5.50) for controlled BP, and 2.34 (0.94-5.85) for uncontrolled BP (multiple logistic regression analysis). Similarly, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 1.80 (1.35-2.41), 3.42 (1.35-8.63), and 5.10 (1.93-13.45) for high, controlled, and uncontrolled BPs for low birth weight, respectively; 1.99 (1.48-2.68), 2.70 (1.12-6.50), and 6.53 (3.09-13.82) for high, controlled, and uncontrolled BPs for preterm birth, respectively; 1.64 (1.19-2.24), 2.17 (0.88-5.38), and 2.12 (0.80-5.65) for high, controlled, and uncontrolled BPs for admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Growing Care Unit, respectively; and 1.17 (0.70-1.95), 2.23 (0.65-7.68), and 0.91 (0.20-4.16) for high, controlled, and uncontrolled BPs for 1-min Apgar score < 7, respectively. BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg might be taken care for preventing various adverse perinatal outcomes.

Risk of major congenital malformations associated with first-trimester antihypertensives, including amlodipine and methyldopa: A large claims database study 2010-2019

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the major congenital malformation (MCM) risk of first-trimester antihypertensive exposure, specifically of amlodipine and methyldopa.

STUDY DESIGN

A large administrative claims database was used.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The prevalence of antihypertensive prescriptions during pregnancy was described in 91,390 women giving birth between 2010 and 2019. The MCM risk of first-trimester antihypertensives was evaluated in 1,185 women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders in the first trimester. The MCM risk of first-trimester amlodipine and methyldopa was evaluated in 178 women who were prescribed antihypertensives in the first trimester.

RESULTS

Antihypertensives were prescribed to 278 (0.30%) women during their first trimester. The prescription prevalence in the first trimester was highest for methyldopa (115, 0.13%), followed by amlodipine (55, 0.06%). Antihypertensives were prescribed to 2,955 (3.23%) women during pregnancy. Nifedipine (903, 0.99%) and nicardipine (758, 0.83%) were the most frequently prescribed oral and injectable antihypertensives during pregnancy, both with a significant increase in annual prevalence. Of the 1,185 women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders in the first trimester, antihypertensives were prescribed to 178 women. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of MCMs in the first-trimester prescription of any antihypertensive medication was 1.124 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.618-2.045). Amlodipine and methyldopa were prescribed to 44 and 93 of the 178 women, respectively. The aORs of MCMs in the first-trimester prescription of amlodipine and methyldopa were 1.219 (95% CI, 0.400-3.721) and 0.921 (0.331-2.564), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The MCM risk of first-trimester exposure to antihypertensives, including amlodipine and methyldopa, was not suggested.

Safety of drugs used for the treatment of migraine during pregnancy: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Migraine is common in females of childbearing age and negatively impacts quality of life. The majority of those with migraine who become pregnant see an improvement in their condition but not all do. Providing evidence-based recommendations for the pharmacological management of migraine in pregnancy is challenging.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review provides an update on the safety of drugs used for migraine in pregnancy. National and international guidelines on the management of episodic migraine in adults were used to select the drugs of relevance to pregnant women. The final list of drugs was chosen by a pain specialist who categorized them according to drug class and use in acute management or prevention. PubMed was searched from inception to 31st July 2022 for evidence on drug safety.

EXPERT OPINION

Obtaining high-quality drug safety data in pregnant migraineurs is difficult not least because exposing a fetus to research-related risks is often considered unethical. There is reliance on observational studies which often group drugs together and lack specificities pertinent to drug prescribing like timing, dosing and duration. Improved statistical tools, study designs and the creation of international collaborative frameworks are ways to advance knowledge on drug safety in pregnancy.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: definition, management, and out-of-office blood pressure measurement

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. In 2018, the Japanese classification of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was standardized with those of other countries, and a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy was considered to be present if hypertension existed during pregnancy and up to 12 weeks after delivery. Strategies for the prevention of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have become much clearer, but further research is needed on appropriate subjects and methods of administration, and these have not been clarified in Japan. Although guidelines for the use of antihypertensive drugs are also being studied and standardized with those of other countries, the use of calcium antagonists before 20 weeks of gestation is still contraindicated in Japan because of the safety concerns that were raised regarding possible fetal anomalies associated with their use at the time of their market launch. Chronic hypertension is now included in the definition of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and blood pressure measurement is a fundamental component of the diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Out-of-office blood pressure measurements, including ambulatory and home blood pressure measurements, are important for pregnant and nonpregnant women. Although conditions such as white-coat hypertension and masked hypertension have been reported, determining their occurrence in pregnancy is complicated by the gestational week. This narrative review focused on recent reports on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including those related to blood pressure measurement and classification.

Antihypertensive drug prescription trends for pregnant women with hypertension in acute hospitals in Japan

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy cause maternal organ damage. Therefore, appropriate management with antihypertensive medication is required from the first trimester. We aimed to clarify the antihypertensive drug prescription trends in pregnant women with hypertension in Japan. The administrative data of pregnant outpatients aged 16-49 years who visited acute hospitals between 2013 and 2020 were included. The annual antihypertensive drug prescription trends were evaluated based on their prescription proportions. The most prescribed drug in 2020 was nifedipine, followed by methyldopa and amlodipine. The proportion of nifedipine prescriptions significantly increased from 33.5 to 40.8% during the study period, whereas that of methyldopa significantly decreased from 16.6 to 11.6%. There was no change in the prescription trend of amlodipine. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers were the most commonly prescribed drug for pregnant women with hypertension.

Nifedipine or amlodipine? The choice for hypertension during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of sufficient evidence regarding efficacy and safety of amlodipine on treating hypertension during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

To compare antihypertensive efficacy, pregnancy outcome and safety of amlodipine with nifedipine on hypertension during pregnancy.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database and China Biology Medicine disc of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to April l5, 2021 was conducted on RCTs comparing amlodipine to nifedipine for the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were done by two independent reviewers. To estimate relative effects from all available evidence, a meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Seventeen RCTs were included. Amlodipine was found the efficacy is slightly superior to nifedipine on treating hypertension during pregnancy (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.10) with a decreased risk for maternal side effects (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.61). Subgroup analysis found amlodipine can get a better control on SBP (RR - 11.68, 95% CI - 17.98 to - 5.37) and DBP (RR - 7.44, 95% CI - 13.81 to - 1.06) compared with intermediate-/long-acting nifedipine. In addition, there was no difference between amlodipine and nifedipine on pregnancy outcomes including caesarean section, premature labour, placental abruption, FGR, fetal distress, neonatal asphyxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis, amlodipine can be effectively and safely used for hypertension during pregnancy.

Hypertension in Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Blood Pressure Goals, and Pharmacotherapy: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) remain one of the major causes of pregnancy-related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Affected women are also at increased risk for cardiovascular disease later in life, independently of traditional cardiovascular disease risks. Despite the immediate and long-term cardiovascular disease risks, recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of HDP in the United States have changed little, if at all, over past decades, unlike hypertension guidelines for the general population. The reasons for this approach include the question of benefit from normalization of blood pressure treatment for pregnant women, coupled with theoretical concerns for fetal well-being from a reduction in utero-placental perfusion and in utero exposure to antihypertensive medication. This report is based on a review of current literature and includes normal physiological changes in pregnancy that may affect clinical presentation of HDP; HDP epidemiology and the immediate and long-term sequelae of HDP; the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, an HDP commonly associated with proteinuria and increasingly recognized as a heterogeneous disease with different clinical phenotypes and likely distinct pathological mechanisms; a critical overview of current national and international HDP guidelines; emerging evidence that reducing blood pressure treatment goals in pregnancy may reduce maternal severe hypertension without increasing the risk of pregnancy loss, high-level neonatal care, or overall maternal complications; and the increasingly recognized morbidity associated with postpartum hypertension/preeclampsia. Finally, we discuss the future of research in the field and the pressing need to study socioeconomic and biological factors that may contribute to racial and ethnic maternal health care disparities.

Neurocritical Care of the Pregnant Patient

Purpose of review

To summarize recent changes in management and emerging therapies for pregnant neurocritical care patients.

Recent findings

Diagnostic and treatment options for managing neurologic emergencies in pregnant patients have expanded with both greater understanding of the effects of imaging modalities and medications on pregnancy and application of standard treatments for non-pregnant patients to pregnant populations. Specifically, this includes cerebrovascular diseases (pregnancy-associated ischemic stroke, pregnancy-associated intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis), post-maternal cardiac arrest care, seizures and status epilepticus, myasthenia gravis, and fetal somatic support in maternal death by neurologic criteria.

Summary

With the exception of direct abdominal computed tomography (CT), most imaging studies are reasonably safe in pregnancy. When emergent imaging is needed to prevent maternal morbidity or mortality, any CT sequence with or without contrast is appropriate to pursue. Though new safety data on antiplatelets, antihypertensives, thrombolytics, and antiepileptic drugs have increased options for disease management in pregnancy, unfractionated and low-molecular weight heparin remain the safest options for anticoagulation. Early studies on hypothermia, ketamine, and immunomodulating therapies in pregnancy are promising. In myasthenia gravis, new data on adjunct devices may allow more patients to undergo safe vaginal delivery, avoiding cesarean section and the associated risk of crisis. When difficult decisions regarding preterm delivery arise, recent outcome studies can help inform discussion. Lastly, when the feared complication of maternal death by neurologic criteria occurs, fetal somatic support may help to save at least one life.

Effect of Preeclampsia on Ultrastructure of Thyroid Gland, Hepatic Type 1 Iodothyronine Deiodinase, and Thyroid Hormone Levels in Rats

Background

Although hypothyroidism during pregnancy may develop grave outcomes for both mothers and offspring, management of which is still a challenge due to the insufficient understanding of this disease. The close correlation between hypothyroidism and preeclampsia is well documented, suggesting that preeclampsia is a potential risk factor for the development of maternal hypothyroidism. However, the exact role of preeclampsia in gestational hypothyroidism is still obscure.

Objective

In this study, we explored the possible mechanisms of the effect of preeclampsia on thyroid function of maternal rats.

Methods

Thirty pregnant rats were randomly divided into normal pregnancy control (NOP), preeclampsia (PE), and preeclampsia supplemented with amlodipine besylate (PEAml). NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester was used to induce preeclamptic symptoms. On gestational day 21, rats were sacrificed, and then, the ultrastructure of the thyroid gland, type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio1) expression, and serum-free thyroxine (FT₄), free triiodothyronine (FT₃), and thyroid stimulation hormones (TSH) were assessed.

Results

Compared to NOP rats, results of PE rats showed that thyroid follicular cells' ultrastructure was damaged; both hepatic Dio1 mRNA and protein levels were decreased. Interestingly, these changes were ameliorated in PEAml rats. Additionally, FT₄, FT₃, and TSH levels have no significant differences among groups.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that preeclampsia could disrupt synthesis, secretion, and metabolism function of thyroid hormones by damaging thyroid follicular cells and interfering Dio1 expression.

Impact of Chronic Hypertension and Antihypertensive Treatment on Adverse Perinatal Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Maternal chronic hypertension is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies examined the association between either chronic hypertension or antihypertensive treatment and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to synthesize the evidence on the effect of chronic hypertension/antihypertensive treatment on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods and Results Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched; we included observational studies and assessed the effect of race/ethnicity, where possible, following a registered protocol (CRD42019120088). Random-effects meta-analyses were used. A total of 81 studies were identified on chronic hypertension, and a total of 16 studies were identified on antihypertensive treatment. Chronic hypertension was associated with higher odds of preeclampsia (adjusted odd ratio [aOR], 5.43; 95% CI, 3.85-7.65); cesarean section (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.6-2.16); maternal mortality (aOR, 4.80; 95% CI, 3.04-7.58); preterm birth (aOR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.96-2.53); stillbirth (aOR, 2.32; 95% CI, 2.22-2.42); and small for gestational age (SGA) (aOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.6-2.40). Subgroup analyses indicated that maternal race/ethnicity does not influence the observed associations. Women with chronic hypertension on antihypertensive treatment (versus untreated) had higher odds of SGA (aOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.38-2.50). Conclusions Chronic hypertension is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and these associations appear to be independent of maternal race/ethnicity. In women with chronic hypertension, those on treatment had a higher risk of SGA, although the number of studies was limited. This could result from a direct effect of the treatment or because severe hypertension during pregnancy is a risk factor for SGA and women with severe hypertension are more likely to be treated. The effect of antihypertensive treatment on SGA needs to be further tested with large randomized controlled trials.

[Pharmacological treatment of non-severe hypertension during pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding]

Hypertension (HTN) in pregnancy is defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Based on the values, it is classified as non-severe (< 160/110 mmHg) and severe (≥ 160/110 mmHg). Before starting treatment in non-severe HTN, white- coat HTN should be ruled out. If outpatient management is possible, pharmacological initiation is suggested with sustained high values, avoiding < 120/80 mmHg. Safe drugs during pregnancy are methyldopa, labetalol, and nifedipine-retard. The use of nifedipine-XL or amlodipine can be considered with a lower level of evidence of safety. Diuretics, atenolol, and other beta-blockers for antihypertensive purposes is not recommended in this period. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors are strictly contraindicated. In postpartum and breastfeeding, the same therapeutic regimen used during pregnancy can be maintained, trying early withdrawal of methyldopa. During puerperium, amlodipine and enalapril are safe, with minimal excretion in breast milk.

Pregnancy in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Women with end-stage kidney disease commonly have difficulty conceiving through spontaneous pregnancy, and many suffer from infertility. Kidney transplantation restores the impairment in fertility and increases the possibility of pregnancy. In addition, the number of female kidney transplant recipients of reproductive age has been increasing. Thus, preconception counseling, contraceptive management, and family planning are of great importance in the routine care of this population. Pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients is complicated by underlying maternal comorbidities, kidney allograft function, the effect of pregnancy on the transplanted kidney, and the effect of the maternal health on the fetus, in addition to immunosuppressive medications and their potential teratogenesis. Given the potential maternal and fetal risks, and possible complications during pregnancy, pretransplant and prepregnancy counseling for women of reproductive age are crucial, including delivery of information regarding contraception and timing for pregnancy, fertility and pregnancy rates, the risk of immunosuppression on the fetus, the risk of kidney allograft, and other maternal complications. In this article, we discuss aspects related to pregnancy among kidney transplant recipients and their management.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Pregnancy

Women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for adverse outcomes in pregnancy. In the United States, pregnancy rates in women with risk factors for CKD such as obesity and advanced maternal age are increasing; thus, more pregnancies are likely to be affected by CKD. Strategies that involve coordinated multidisciplinary care to optimize preconception health, perform meticulous antenatal monitoring, and provide continued care in the postpartum "fourth trimester" appear to be most beneficial for both the mother and baby. Discussions surrounding preconception risk stratification should be individualized based on CKD stage/serum creatinine level, degree of hypertension and proteinuria, and comorbid conditions. Preparation for pregnancy should include optimization of comorbidities and medication adjustments to those compatible with pregnancy. Unless contraindicated, all women with CKD should be prescribed low-dose aspirin in pregnancy to reduce risk of preeclampsia. After delivery, women with CKD may benefit from an early postpartum visit (within 7-10 days) for blood pressure check and may require serial monitoring of serum creatinine and proteinuria as appropriate. Breastfeeding is safe and can be recommended for most women with CKD. A contraceptive plan that includes patients' preferences, feasibility, medical eligibility, duration, and effectiveness of the contraceptive method should be implemented.

The comparison of side effects of methyldopa, amlodipine, and metoprolol in pregnant women with chronic hypertension

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare the complication of Antihypertensive drug; in pregnant women with chronic hypertension.

METHOD

This retrospective cohort study was performed on 300 pregnant women  with chronic hypertension. Results:  a relative risk of preeclampsia among methyldopa group was 3.45 times higher than the metoprolol, the relative risk of preterm labor was not significantly between methyldopa and metoprolol group, LBW, and IUGR in methyldopa and amlodipine groups .

CONCLUSION

Methyldopa and amlodipine are associated with the least side effects in pregnant women treated for chronic hypertension.the incidence of preeclampsia was greater in methyldopa group.

Safety of Antihypertensive Medications in Pregnancy: Living With Uncertainty

See Article by Mito et al.

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