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Hope OA, Harris KM. Management of epilepsy during pregnancy and lactation. BMJ 2023; 382:e074630. [PMID: 37684052 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-074630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a group of neurological diseases characterized by susceptibility to recurrent seizures. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the mainstay of treatment, but many antiseizure medications with variable safety profiles have been approved for use. For women with epilepsy in their childbearing years, the safety profile is important for them and their unborn children, because treatment is often required to protect them from seizures during pregnancy and lactation. Since no large randomized controlled trials have investigated safety in this subgroup of people with epilepsy, pregnancy registries, cohort and case-control studies from population registries, and a few large prospective cohort studies have played an important role. Valproate, in monotherapy and polytherapy, has been associated with elevated risk of major congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders in children born to mothers who took it. Topiramate and phenobarbital are also associated with elevated risks of congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders, though the risks are lower than those of valproate. Lamotrigine and levetiracetam are relatively safe. Insufficient data exist to reach strong conclusions about the newest antiseizure medications such as eslicarbazepine, perampanel, brivaracetam, cannabidiol, and cenobamate. Besides antiseizure medications, other treatments such as vagal nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation, and deep brain stimulation are likely safe. In general, breastfeeding does not appear to add any additional long term risks to the child. Creative ways of optimizing registry enrollment and data collection are needed to enhance patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omotola A Hope
- Houston Methodist Sugarland Neurology Associates, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katherine Mj Harris
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
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AbuShweimeh R, Knudson S, Chaabane S, Pal SN, Skidmore B, Stergachis A, Bhat N. Pregnancy exposure registries for drugs and vaccines in low-income and middle-income countries: scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070543. [PMID: 37156596 PMCID: PMC10174003 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Data regarding the safety of drugs and vaccines in pregnant women are typically unavailable before licensure. Pregnancy exposure registries (PERs) are an important source of postmarketing safety information. PERs in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are uncommon but can provide valuable safety data regarding their distinct contexts and will become more relevant as the introduction and use of new drugs and vaccines in pregnancy increase worldwide. Strategies to support PERs in LMICs must be based on a better understanding of their current status. We developed a scoping review protocol to assess the landscape of PERs that operate in LMICs and characterise their strengths and challenges. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This scoping review protocol follows the Joanna Briggs Institute manual for scoping reviews. The search strategy will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist. We will search PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and WHO's Global Index Medicus, as well as the reference lists of retrieved full-text records, for articles published between 2000 and 2022 that describe PERs or other resources that systematically record exposures to medical products during pregnancy and maternal and infant outcomes in LMICs. Title and abstracts will be screened by two authors and data extracted using a standardised form. We will undertake a grey literature search using Google Scholar and targeted websites. We will distribute an online survey to selected experts and conduct semistructured interviews with key informants. Identified PERs will be summarised in tables and analysed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for this activity, as it was determined not to involve human subjects research. Findings will be submitted to an open access peer-reviewed journal and may be presented at conferences, with underlying data and other materials made publicly available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahmeh AbuShweimeh
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sophie Knudson
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sonia Chaabane
- Regulation and Prequalification, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Shanthi Narayan Pal
- Regulation and Prequalification, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Becky Skidmore
- Independent Information Specialist, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andy Stergachis
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Niranjan Bhat
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Saito M, McGready R, Tinto H, Rouamba T, Mosha D, Rulisa S, Kariuki S, Desai M, Manyando C, Njunju EM, Sevene E, Vala A, Augusto O, Clerk C, Were E, Mrema S, Kisinza W, Byamugisha J, Kagawa M, Singlovic J, Yore M, van Eijk AM, Mehta U, Stergachis A, Hill J, Stepniewska K, Gomes M, Guérin PJ, Nosten F, Ter Kuile FO, Dellicour S. Pregnancy outcomes after first-trimester treatment with artemisinin derivatives versus non-artemisinin antimalarials: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. Lancet 2023; 401:118-130. [PMID: 36442488 PMCID: PMC9874756 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01881-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are a highly effective, first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, except in the first trimester of pregnancy, when quinine with clindamycin is recommended due to concerns about the potential embryotoxicity of artemisinins. We compared adverse pregnancy outcomes after artemisinin-based treatment (ABT) versus non-ABTs in the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS For this systematic review and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Malaria in Pregnancy Library for prospective cohort studies published between Nov 1, 2015, and Dec 21, 2021, containing data on outcomes of pregnancies exposed to ABT and non-ABT in the first trimester. The results of this search were added to those of a previous systematic review that included publications published up until November, 2015. We included pregnancies enrolled before the pregnancy outcome was known. We excluded pregnancies with missing estimated gestational age or exposure information, multiple gestation pregnancies, and if the fetus was confirmed to be unviable before antimalarial treatment. The primary endpoint was adverse pregnancy outcome, defined as a composite of either miscarriage, stillbirth, or major congenital anomalies. A one-stage IPD meta-analysis was done by use of shared-frailty Cox models. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42015032371. FINDINGS We identified seven eligible studies that included 12 cohorts. All 12 cohorts contributed IPD, including 34 178 pregnancies, 737 with confirmed first-trimester exposure to ABTs and 1076 with confirmed first-trimester exposure to non-ABTs. Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 42 (5·7%) of 736 ABT-exposed pregnancies compared with 96 (8·9%) of 1074 non-ABT-exposed pregnancies in the first trimester (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0·71, 95% CI 0·49-1·03). Similar results were seen for the individual components of miscarriage (aHR=0·74, 0·47-1·17), stillbirth (aHR=0·71, 0·32-1·57), and major congenital anomalies (aHR=0·60, 0·13-2·87). The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes was lower with artemether-lumefantrine than with oral quinine in the first trimester of pregnancy (25 [4·8%] of 524 vs 84 [9·2%] of 915; aHR 0·58, 0·36-0·92). INTERPRETATION We found no evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity based on the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or major congenital anomalies associated with ABT during the first trimester of pregnancy. Given that treatment with artemether-lumefantrine was associated with fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes than quinine, and because of the known superior tolerability and antimalarial effectiveness of ACTs, artemether-lumefantrine should be considered the preferred treatment for uncomplicated P falciparum malaria in the first trimester. If artemether-lumefantrine is unavailable, other ACTs (except artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine) should be preferred to quinine. Continued active pharmacovigilance is warranted. FUNDING Medicines for Malaria Venture, WHO, and the Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rose McGready
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Toussaint Rouamba
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Stephen Rulisa
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Meghna Desai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Eric M Njunju
- Department of Basic Sciences, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Esperanca Sevene
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Anifa Vala
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Orvalho Augusto
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | | | - Edwin Were
- Department of Reproductive Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - William Kisinza
- National Institute of Medical Research, Amani Medical Research Centre, Muheza, Tanzania
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mike Kagawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Mackensie Yore
- VA Los Angeles and University of California, Los Angeles National Clinician Scholars Program, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Health Services Research and Development Service Center of Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anna Maria van Eijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ushma Mehta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, and Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Melba Gomes
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Philippe J Guérin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francois Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, UK; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
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Undela K, Gurumurthy P, Sujatha MS. Impact of medical conditions and medications received during pregnancy on adverse birth outcomes: A hospital-based prospective case-control study. Perspect Clin Res 2023; 14:10-15. [PMID: 36909218 PMCID: PMC10003577 DOI: 10.4103/picr.picr_16_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In view of the raising rate of adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) across the globe, this study was conducted to assess the impact of medical conditions and medications received during pregnancy on ABOs. Materials and Methods A prospective case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 3 years from July 2015 to June 2018. Liveborn and stillborn neonates included in the study were categorized into cases and controls based on the presence or absence of composite ABOs, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for ABOs among medical conditions and medications received by mothers during their current pregnancy. Results Among 1214 neonates included in the study, 556 (45.8%) were identified with composite ABOs, the majority were low birth weight (320 [26.4%]) and preterm birth 300 (24.7%). After adjusting for confounding factors, it was identified that hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.3), oligohydramnios (aOR 3.9), anemia (aOR 3.2), nifedipine (aOR 10.0), nicardipine (aOR 5.3), and magnesium sulfate (aOR 5.3) were the risk factors for overall and specific ABOs like preterm birth and low birth weight. It was also identified that the early detection and management of hypertension with antihypertensives like labetalol and methyldopa can reduce the risk of preterm birth by 93% and 88%, respectively. Conclusion Medical conditions such as hypertension, oligohydramnios, and anemia and medications such as nifedipine, nicardipine, and magnesium sulfate during pregnancy were identified as the risk factors for overall and specific ABOs like preterm birth and low birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Undela
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Kamrup, Assam
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Parthasarathi Gurumurthy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
- Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trials, Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - M. S. Sujatha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
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Davies H, Afrika S, Olema R, Rukundo G, Ouma J, Greenland M, Voysey M, Mboizi R, Sekikubo M, Le Doare K. Protocol for a pregnancy registry of maternal and infant outcomes in Uganda –The PREPARE Study. Wellcome Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17809.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy is associated with complications which must be differentiated from adverse events associated with the administration of vaccines during pregnancy both in clinical trials and post licensure surveillance. The frequency of pregnancy related complications varies significantly by geographical location and the prevalence of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes are poorly documented in most low-resource settings. In preparation for Group B Streptococcus maternal vaccination trials, we describe a protocol for a pregnancy register at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda to describe pregnancy maternal and infant outcomes. Methods: The study has two components. Firstly, an active, prospective surveillance cohort consisting of pregnant women in their first or second trimester recruited and followed up through their hospital scheduled antenatal visits, delivery and their infants through their extended programme of immunisation visits until 14 weeks of age. Data on obstetric and neonatal outcomes defined by the Brighton Collaboration Global Alliance of Immunisation Safety Assessment in Pregnancy criteria will be collected. Secondly, a passive surveillance cohort collecting data through routine electronic health records on all women and infants attending care at KNRH. Data will be collected on vaccinations and medications including antiretroviral therapy received in antenatal clinic and prior to hospital discharge. Discussion: Conducting vaccine research in resource-limited settings is essential for equity and to answer priority safety questions specific to these settings. It requires improved vaccine safety monitoring, which is especially pertinent in maternal vaccine research. During a trial, understanding the epidemiology and background rates of adverse events in the study population is essential to establish thresholds which indicate a safety signal. These data need to be systematically and reliably collected. This study will describe rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of 4,000 women and infants and any associated medications or vaccines received at a new vaccine trial site in Uganda.
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Kalk E, Heekes A, Slogrove AL, Phelanyane F, Davies MA, Myer L, Euvrard J, Kroon M, Petro G, Fieggen K, Stewart C, Rhoda N, Gebhardt S, Osman A, Anderson K, Boulle A, Mehta U. Cohort profile: the Western Cape Pregnancy Exposure Registry (WCPER). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060205. [PMID: 35768089 PMCID: PMC9244673 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Western Cape Pregnancy Exposure Registry (PER) was established at two public sector healthcare sentinel sites in the Western Cape province, South Africa, to provide ongoing surveillance of drug exposures in pregnancy and associations with pregnancy outcomes. PARTICIPANTS Established in 2016, all women attending their first antenatal visit at primary care obstetric facilities were enrolled and followed to pregnancy outcome regardless of the site (ie, primary, secondary, tertiary facility). Routine operational obstetric and medical data are digitised from the clinical stationery at the healthcare facilities. Data collection has been integrated into existing services and information platforms and supports routine operations. The PER is situated within the Provincial Health Data Centre, an information exchange that harmonises and consolidates all health-related electronic data in the province. Data are contributed via linkage across a unique identifier. This relationship limits the missing data in the PER, allows validation and avoids misclassification in the population-level data set. FINDINGS TO DATE Approximately 5000 and 3500 pregnant women enter the data set annually at the urban and rural sites, respectively. As of August 2021, >30 000 pregnancies have been recorded and outcomes have been determined for 93%. Analysis of key obstetric and neonatal health indicators derived from the PER are consistent with the aggregate data in the District Health Information System. FUTURE PLANS This represents significant infrastructure, able to address clinical and epidemiological concerns in a low/middle-income setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kalk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alexa Heekes
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amy L Slogrove
- Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Florence Phelanyane
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Max Kroon
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neonatal Services, Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Greg Petro
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Maternity Services, New Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen Fieggen
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Medical Genetics Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chantal Stewart
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Maternity Services, Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Natasha Rhoda
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neonatal Services, Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan Gebhardt
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Maternity Services, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ayesha Osman
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Maternity Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kim Anderson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ushma Mehta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
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Holmes LB, Nasri HZ, Hunt AT, Zash R, Shapiro RL. Limited surface examination to evaluate potential teratogens in a resource-limited setting. Birth Defects Res 2021; 113:702-707. [PMID: 33779067 PMCID: PMC8148051 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the frequency of malformations that would be identified in the limited surface examination of a newborn by the delivering nurse midwife in a resource-limited setting. METHODS The limited surface examination will identify visible external anomalies, but not abnormalities inside the mouth, most heart defects, undescended testes, inguinal hernias, hip dysplasia, peripheral vascular anomalies, and some internal anomalies. The findings in a malformations surveillance program, involving 289,365 births in Boston, have been used to establish the prevalence rate of malformations that would be identified and not identified. In African countries, the number of anomalies to be identified should also be reduced by excluding polydactyly, postaxial, type B, a common minor finding, from the list of potential malformations. RESULTS Of note, 2.05% (n = 5,941) of the 289,365 births surveyed had one or more malformations. The abnormalities that would have been missed, using surface exam alone, accounted for 0.5% of all of malformations identified and reduced the overall prevalence rate of malformations to 1.5%. In addition, excluding all infants with isolated postaxial polydactyly, type B reduced the expected prevalence rate of malformations to 1.3% in unexposed newborn infants. CONCLUSION A limited surface examination can detect the majority of malformations among newborn infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis B Holmes
- Medical Genetics and Metabolism Unit, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hanah Z Nasri
- Medical Genetics and Metabolism Unit, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Zash
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger L Shapiro
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Weld ED, Bailey TC, Waitt C. Ethical issues in therapeutic use and research in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:7-21. [PMID: 33990968 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant or potentially pregnant women have historically been excluded from clinical trials of new medications. However, it is increasingly recognised that it is imperative to generate evidence from the population in whom the drugs are likely to be used to inform safe, evidence-based shared clinical decision making. Reluctance by researchers and regulators to perform such studies often relates to concerns about risk, particularly to the foetus. However, this must be offset against the risk of untreated disease or using a drug in pregnancy where safety, efficacy and dosing information are not known. This review summarises the historical perspective, and the ethical and legal frameworks that inform the conduct of such research, then highlights examples of innovative practice that have enabled high quality, ethical research to proceed to inform the evidence-based use of medication in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel D Weld
- Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology & Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Theodore C Bailey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Catriona Waitt
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Dhamija P, Choudhary C, Bandyopadhyay A, Bahadur A, Chaturvedi J, Handu S. Drug related adverse pregnancy outcomes at a tertiary care hospital from the foothills of Himalayas: A Prospective observational study. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 10:4176-4181. [PMID: 35136785 PMCID: PMC8797097 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_211_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Context and Aim: Safety of drug usage during pregnancy is of utmost importance. Unrestricted usage of drugs may lead to undesirable and unpredictable pregnancy outcomes. This study was designed to detect drug-related adverse pregnancy outcomes, perform prescription audit and develop a pregnancy drug registry. Methods and Materials: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in northern India. Pregnant females attending antenatal clinic, irrespective of their duration of pregnancy were included in the study over a period of 1 year. The participants were followed up monthly during their pregnancy till the pregnancy outcome. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were evaluated and causality assessment was done using the WHO-UMC scale. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used for appropriate variables. Regression model was used to establish relationship between factors proposed to be responsible for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Presence of adverse pregnancy outcome was used as an independent variable. Microsoft Excel and Strata (version 12) were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total 326 pregnant women were screened out of which 305 were included in the final analysis. Mean age of participants was 27.82 (±4.51) years. Pre-existing comorbidities were present in 4.26% of participants. Average number of drugs per participant was 6.32 (±1.94). Most drugs prescribed to participants were from FDA category B (49.23%) and category A (33.60%). Mean ADR reported per patient was 1.16 (±1.18) with involvement of musculoskeletal (56.42%) and gastrointestinal (7.16%) being most frequent. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were reported in 25 participants among which IUGR (24%) followed by IUD (20%) and ectopic pregnancy (16%) were most frequently observed. Multivariate logistic regression showed number of comorbidities (P = 0.037) and number of drugs consumed during pregnancy (P = 0.02) to be statistically significantly associated with occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcome. Conclusions: Pregnancy registries have been instrumental in detection of signals for further research in drug-related adverse outcomes. Inappropriate usage of drugs has been shown to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our study warrants need for further well-designed studies on adverse pregnancy outcomes in larger patient populations.
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Alhassan Y, Twimukye A, Malaba T, Orrell C, Myer L, Waitt C, Lamorde M, Kambugu A, Reynolds H, Khoo S, Taegtmeyer M. Engendering health systems in response to national rollout of dolutegravir-based regimens among women of childbearing potential: a qualitative study with stakeholders in South Africa and Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:705. [PMID: 32738918 PMCID: PMC7395396 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the era of rapid dolutegravir rollout, concerns about neural tube defects have complicated the health systems response among women of childbearing potential. This qualitative study, which was nested within the DolPHIN-2 clinical trial, examined the current and future health system opportunities and challenges associated with the transition to dolutegravir-based regimen as first line antiretroviral therapy among women of childbearing potential in South Africa and Uganda. Method Semi-structured in-depth interviews with members of antiretroviral therapy guideline development groups and affiliates were conducted. Thirty-one participants were purposively selected for the study, including senior officials from the Ministry of Health and National Drug Regulatory Authority in Uganda and South Africa as well as health-sector development partners, activists, researchers and health workers. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data. Findings Despite differences in health system contexts, several common challenges and opportunities were identified with the transition among women of childbearing potential in South Africa and Uganda. In both contexts national stakeholders identified challenges with ensuring gender equity in roll out due to the potential teratogenicity of dolutegravir, paucity of data on dolutegravir use in pregnancy, potential stock out of effective contraceptives, poorly integrated contraception services, and limited pharmacovigilance in pregnancy. Participants identified opportunities that could be harnessed to accelerate the transition, including high stakeholder interest and commitment to transition, national approval and licensure of a generic tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir regimen, availability of a network of antiretroviral therapy providers, and strong desire among women for newer and more tolerable regimens. Conclusion The transition to dolutegravir-based regimens has the potential to strengthen health systems in low- and middle-income countries to engender equitable access to optimised antiretroviral regimen among women. There is the need for a multi-sectoral effort to harness the opportunities of the health systems to addresses the bottlenecks to the transition and initiate extensive community engagement alongside individual and institutional capacity strengthening. Improvements in pregnancy pharmacovigilance and counselling and family planning services are critical to ensuring a successful transition among women of childbearing potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yussif Alhassan
- Community Health Systems Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | | | - Thoko Malaba
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Catriona Waitt
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Helen Reynolds
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Saye Khoo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Miriam Taegtmeyer
- Community Health Systems Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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11
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Rouamba T, Sondo P, Derra K, Nakanabo-Diallo S, Bihoun B, Rouamba E, Tarnagda Z, Kazienga A, Valea I, Sorgho H, Pagnoni F, Samadoulougou-Kirakoya F, Tinto H. Optimal Approach and Strategies to Strengthen Pharmacovigilance in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cohort Study of Patients Treated with First-Line Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies in the Nanoro Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Burkina Faso. Drug Des Devel Ther 2020; 14:1507-1521. [PMID: 32368010 PMCID: PMC7174163 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s224857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Resource-limited countries face challenges in setting up effective pharmacovigilance systems. This study aimed to monitor the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) after the use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), identify potential drivers of reporting suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and monitor AEs among women who were inadvertently exposed to ACTs in the first trimester of pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a prospective observational study from May 2010 to July 2012 in Nanoro Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), Burkina Faso. The HDSS area was divided into active and passive surveillance areas to monitor AEs among patients (regardless of age or sex) who received a first-line ACT (artemether-lumefantrine or artesunate-amodiaquine). In the active surveillance area, patients were followed up for 28 days, while in the passive surveillance area, patients were encouraged to return voluntarily to the health facility to report any occurrence of AEs until day 28 after drug intake. We assessed the crude incidence rates of AEs in both cohorts and performed Cox regression with mixed random effects to identify potential drivers of ADR occurrence. RESULTS In total, 3170 participants were included in the study. Of these, 40.3% had reported at least one AE, with 39.6% and 44.4% from active and passive surveillance groups, respectively. The types of ADRs were similar in both groups. The most frequent reported ADRs were anorexia, weakness, cough, dizziness and pruritus. One case of abortion and eight cases of death were reported, but none of them was related to the ACT. The variance in random factors showed a high variability of ADR occurrence between patients in both groups, whereas variability between health facilities was low in the active surveillance group and high in passive surveillance group. Taking more than two concomitant medications was associated with high hazard in ADR occurrence, whereas the rainy season was associated with low hazard. CONCLUSION This study showed that both passive and active surveillance approaches were useful tools. The HDSS allowed us to capture a few cases of exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy. The passive surveillance approach, which is more likely to be implemented by malaria control programs, seems to be more relevant in the Sub-Saharan African context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toussaint Rouamba
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Center for Research in Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Clinical Research, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Paul Sondo
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Karim Derra
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Seydou Nakanabo-Diallo
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Department of Clinical Research, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Biebo Bihoun
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Eli Rouamba
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Zekiba Tarnagda
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Adama Kazienga
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Innocent Valea
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Hermann Sorgho
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Fati Samadoulougou-Kirakoya
- Center for Research in Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Clinical Research, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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12
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Fairlie L, Waitt C, Lockman S, Moorhouse M, Abrams EJ, Clayden P, Boffito M, Khoo S, Rees H, Cournil A, Venter WF, Serenata C, Chersich M. Inclusion of pregnant women in antiretroviral drug research: what is needed to move forwards? J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25372. [PMID: 31529598 PMCID: PMC6747006 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To adequately ascertain drug safety and efficacy, drug trials need to include participants from all groups likely to receive the medication following approval. Pregnant women, however, are mostly excluded from trials, and women participating are often required to use highly effective contraception and taken off study product (even off study) if they conceive. There is little commercial incentive for including pregnant women in clinical trials, even when preclinical animal and human pharmacokinetic and safety data appear reassuring. With this conservative approach, large numbers of pregnant women are exposed to drug postlicensing with little known about drug safety and efficacy, and little done to systematically monitor outcomes of pregnancy exposure. DISCUSSION The article focuses on antiretrovirals for treating and preventing HIV, and presents potential approaches which could extend to other therapeutic areas, to obtaining adequate and timely data to inform use of these drugs in this population. Most importantly the pregnancy risk profile of investigational agents can be systematically stratified from low to high risk, based on guidelines from regulatory bodies. This stratification can determine the progress through preclinical work with animals and non-pregnant women to opportunistic studies among women who become pregnant on a clinical trial or within routine clinical treatment. Stratification can include pregnant women in clinical trials, concurrent with Phase II/III trials in non-pregnant adults, and ultimately to postmarketing surveillance for outcomes in pregnant women and their infants. Each step can be enabled by clear criteria from international and local regulatory bodies on progression through study phases, standardized protocols for collecting relevant data, collaborative data sharing, pregnancy outcomes surveillance systems supported by committed funding for these endeavours. CONCLUSIONS A formalized step-wise approach to including pregnant women in antiretroviral drug research should become the new norm. Systematic implementation of this approach would yield more timely and higher quality pregnancy dosing, safety and efficacy data. Through more vigorous action, regulatory bodies could responsibly overcome reluctance to include pregnant women in drug trials. Funders, researchers and programme implementers need to be galvanized to progressively include pregnant women in research - the use of newer, more effective drugs in women is at stake (349).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Fairlie
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Catriona Waitt
- Department of Molecular and Clinical PharmacologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
- Infectious Diseases InstituteMakerere University College of Health SciencesKampalaUganda
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Brigham and Women's HospitalHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Michelle Moorhouse
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Elaine J. Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia UniversityMailman School of Public Health and Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | | | - Saye Khoo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical PharmacologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Helen Rees
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Amandine Cournil
- Unité Mixte Internationale 233Institut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementU1175‐INSERMUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Willem Francois Venter
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Celicia Serenata
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Matthew Chersich
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
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13
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Holmes LB, Nasri H, Hunt AT, Toufaily MH, Westgate MN. Polydactyly, postaxial, type B. Birth Defects Res 2018; 110:134-141. [DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lewis B. Holmes
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston
- Medical Genetics Unit; MassGeneral Hospital for Children; Boston
- Department of Pediatrics; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Hanah Nasri
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston
- Medical Genetics Unit; MassGeneral Hospital for Children; Boston
| | | | - M. Hassan Toufaily
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston
- Medical Genetics Unit; MassGeneral Hospital for Children; Boston
| | - Marie-Noel Westgate
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston
- Medical Genetics Unit; MassGeneral Hospital for Children; Boston
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14
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Kovacs SD, Mills BM, Stergachis A. Donor support for quality assurance and pharmacovigilance of anti-malarials in malaria-endemic countries. Malar J 2017; 16:282. [PMID: 28693488 PMCID: PMC5504670 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1921-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria control efforts have been strengthened by funding from donor groups and government agencies. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and the Malaria (Global Fund), the US President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) account for the majority of donor support for malaria control and prevention efforts. Pharmacovigilance (PV), which encompasses all activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug-related problem, is a necessary part of efforts to reduce drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes. This paper reports on an analysis of PV plans in the Global Fund and PMI and World Bank's grants for malaria prevention and control. METHODS All active malaria grants as of September 2015 funded by the Global Fund and World Bank, and fiscal year 2015 and 2016 PMI Malaria Operational Plans (MOP) were identified. The total amount awarded for PV-related activities and drug quality assurance was abstracted. A Key-Word-in-Context (KWIC) analysis was conducted for the content of each grant. Specific search terms consisted of pharmacovigilance, pregn*, registry, safety, adverse drug, mass drug administration, primaquine, counterfeit, sub-standard, and falsified. Grants that mentioned PV activities identified in the KWIC search, listed PV in their budgets, or included the keywords: counterfeit, sub-standard, falsified, mass drug administration, or adverse event were thematically coded using Dedoose software version 7.0. RESULTS The search identified 159 active malaria grants including 107 Global Fund grants, 39 fiscal year 2015 and 2016 PMI grants and 13 World Bank grants. These grants were primarily awarded to low-income countries (57.2%) and in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (70.4%). Thirty-seven (23.3%) grants included a budget line for PV- or drug quality assurance-related activities, including 21 PMI grants and 16 Global Fund grants. Only 23 (14.5%) grants directly mentioned PV. The primary focus area was improving drug quality monitoring, especially among the PMI grants. CONCLUSIONS The results of the analysis demonstrate that funding for PV has not been sufficiently prioritized by either the key malaria donor organizations or by the recipient countries, as reflected in their grant proposal submissions and MOPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D. Kovacs
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 6123 SW Stevens Street Apt 302, Seattle, WA 98116 USA
| | - Brianna M. Mills
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 6123 SW Stevens Street Apt 302, Seattle, WA 98116 USA
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
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15
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Dellicour S, Sevene E, McGready R, Tinto H, Mosha D, Manyando C, Rulisa S, Desai M, Ouma P, Oneko M, Vala A, Rupérez M, Macete E, Menéndez C, Nakanabo-Diallo S, Kazienga A, Valéa I, Calip G, Augusto O, Genton B, Njunju EM, Moore KA, d’Alessandro U, Nosten F, ter Kuile F, Stergachis A. First-trimester artemisinin derivatives and quinine treatments and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Africa and Asia: A meta-analysis of observational studies. PLoS Med 2017; 14:e1002290. [PMID: 28463996 PMCID: PMC5412992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal embryotoxicity data, and the scarcity of safety data in human pregnancies, have prevented artemisinin derivatives from being recommended for malaria treatment in the first trimester except in lifesaving circumstances. We conducted a meta-analysis of prospective observational studies comparing the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and major congenital anomaly (primary outcomes) among first-trimester pregnancies treated with artemisinin derivatives versus quinine or no antimalarial treatment. METHODS AND FINDINGS Electronic databases including Medline, Embase, and Malaria in Pregnancy Library were searched, and investigators contacted. Five studies involving 30,618 pregnancies were included; four from sub-Saharan Africa (n = 6,666 pregnancies, six sites) and one from Thailand (n = 23,952). Antimalarial exposures were ascertained by self-report or active detection and confirmed by prescriptions, clinic cards, and outpatient registers. Cox proportional hazards models, accounting for time under observation and gestational age at enrollment, were used to calculate hazard ratios. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis was used to combine the African studies, and the results were then combined with those from Thailand using aggregated data meta-analysis with a random effects model. There was no difference in the risk of miscarriage associated with the use of artemisinins anytime during the first trimester (n = 37/671) compared with quinine (n = 96/945; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.73 [95% CI 0.44, 1.21], I2 = 0%, p = 0.228), in the risk of stillbirth (artemisinins, n = 10/654; quinine, n = 11/615; aHR = 0.29 [95% CI 0.08-1.02], p = 0.053), or in the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth combined (pregnancy loss) (aHR = 0.58 [95% CI 0.36-1.02], p = 0.099). The corresponding risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, and pregnancy loss in a sensitivity analysis restricted to artemisinin exposures during the embryo sensitive period (6-12 wk gestation) were as follows: aHR = 1.04 (95% CI 0.54-2.01), I2 = 0%, p = 0.910; aHR = 0.73 (95% CI 0.26-2.06), p = 0.551; and aHR = 0.98 (95% CI 0.52-2.04), p = 0.603. The prevalence of major congenital anomalies was similar for first-trimester artemisinin (1.5% [95% CI 0.6%-3.5%]) and quinine exposures (1.2% [95% CI 0.6%-2.4%]). Key limitations of the study include the inability to control for confounding by indication in the African studies, the paucity of data on potential confounders, the limited statistical power to detect differences in congenital anomalies, and the lack of assessment of cardiovascular defects in newborns. CONCLUSIONS Compared to quinine, artemisinin treatment in the first trimester was not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. While the data are limited, they indicate no difference in the prevalence of major congenital anomalies between treatment groups. The benefits of 3-d artemisinin combination therapy regimens to treat malaria in early pregnancy are likely to outweigh the adverse outcomes of partially treated malaria, which can occur with oral quinine because of the known poor adherence to 7-d regimens. REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42015032371.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Dellicour
- Malaria Epidemiology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (SD); (AS)
| | - Esperança Sevene
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Stephen Rulisa
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Meghna Desai
- Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Peter Ouma
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Martina Oneko
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Anifa Vala
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Maria Rupérez
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
- Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eusébio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Clara Menéndez
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
- Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Seydou Nakanabo-Diallo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Adama Kazienga
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Innocent Valéa
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Gregory Calip
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Orvalho Augusto
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Blaise Genton
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric M. Njunju
- School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Kerryn A. Moore
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Umberto d’Alessandro
- Medical Research Council, Fajara, The Gambia
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Feiko ter Kuile
- Malaria Epidemiology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SD); (AS)
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16
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Zash RM, Williams PL, Sibiude J, Lyall H, Kakkar F. Surveillance monitoring for safety of in utero antiretroviral therapy exposures: current strategies and challenges. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2016; 15:1501-1513. [PMID: 27552003 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2016.1226281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in pregnancy to prevent vertical HIV transmission has been one of the most successful public health programs in the last decade. As a result, an unprecedented number of women are taking ART at conception and during pregnancy. Given few randomized studies evaluating safety of different ART regimens in pregnancy, ongoing drug safety surveillance is critical. Areas covered: This review aims to provide a rationale for ART drug safety surveillance, describe changing patterns of ART use and summarize current surveillance efforts in both low-resource and high-resource settings. Additionally, biostatistical approaches to and challenges in analysis of observational surveillance data are discussed. Expert opinion: The global landscape of ART use in pregnancy is rapidly increasing and evolving. Any increase in adverse effects of in-utero exposure to ART has the potential to reduce the impact of improvements in infant morbidity and mortality gained from decreased vertical HIV transmission. ART drug safety surveillance should therefore be a critical piece of programs to prevent mother to child transmission in both high- and low-resource settings. Current surveillance efforts could be strengthened with long-term follow-up of exposed children, pooling of data across cohorts and standardized approaches to analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Zash
- a Division of Infectious Diseases , Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center , Boston , MA , USA.,b Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases , Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA.,c Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership , Gaborone , Botswana
| | - Paige L Williams
- d Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research , Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Jeanne Sibiude
- e Groupe Hospitalier Cochin Port Royal , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,f INSERM CESP 1018 , Le Kremlin Bicêtre , France
| | - Hermione Lyall
- g Consultant Paediatrician, Infectious Diseases , Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust , London , UK
| | - Fatima Kakkar
- h Division of Infectious Diseases , Centre Hospitalier Universtaire Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal , Sainte-Justine , Canada
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Frøen JF, Myhre SL, Frost MJ, Chou D, Mehl G, Say L, Cheng S, Fjeldheim I, Friberg IK, French S, Jani JV, Kaye J, Lewis J, Lunde A, Mørkrid K, Nankabirwa V, Nyanchoka L, Stone H, Venkateswaran M, Wojcieszek AM, Temmerman M, Flenady VJ. eRegistries: Electronic registries for maternal and child health. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2016; 16:11. [PMID: 26791790 PMCID: PMC4721069 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-016-0801-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Global Roadmap for Health Measurement and Accountability sees integrated systems for health information as key to obtaining seamless, sustainable, and secure information exchanges at all levels of health systems. The Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescent's Health aims to achieve a continuum of quality of care with effective coverage of interventions. The WHO and World Bank recommend that countries focus on intervention coverage to monitor programs and progress for universal health coverage. Electronic health registries - eRegistries - represent integrated systems that secure a triple return on investments: First, effective single data collection for health workers to seamlessly follow individuals along the continuum of care and across disconnected cadres of care providers. Second, real-time public health surveillance and monitoring of intervention coverage, and third, feedback of information to individuals, care providers and the public for transparent accountability. This series on eRegistries presents frameworks and tools to facilitate the development and secure operation of eRegistries for maternal and child health. METHODS In this first paper of the eRegistries Series we have used WHO frameworks and taxonomy to map how eRegistries can support commonly used electronic and mobile applications to alleviate health systems constraints in maternal and child health. A web-based survey of public health officials in 64 low- and middle-income countries, and a systematic search of literature from 2005-2015, aimed to assess country capacities by the current status, quality and use of data in reproductive health registries. RESULTS eRegistries can offer support for the 12 most commonly used electronic and mobile applications for health. Countries are implementing health registries in various forms, the majority in transition from paper-based data collection to electronic systems, but very few have eRegistries that can act as an integrating backbone for health information. More mature country capacity reflected by published health registry based research is emerging in settings reaching regional or national scale, increasingly with electronic solutions. 66 scientific publications were identified based on 32 registry systems in 23 countries over a period of 10 years; this reflects a challenging experience and capacity gap for delivering sustainable high quality registries. CONCLUSIONS Registries are being developed and used in many high burden countries, but their potential benefits are far from realized as few countries have fully transitioned from paper-based health information to integrated electronic backbone systems. Free tools and frameworks exist to facilitate progress in health information for women and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Frederik Frøen
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health (CISMAC), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Sonja L Myhre
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Michael J Frost
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
- John Snow, Inc., Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Doris Chou
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Garrett Mehl
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Lale Say
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Socheat Cheng
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ingvild Fjeldheim
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ingrid K Friberg
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Steve French
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jagrati V Jani
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health (CISMAC), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jane Kaye
- HeLEX - Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - John Lewis
- Health Information System Programme (HISP) Vietnam, Ho Chí Minh, Vietnam.
- Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ane Lunde
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kjersti Mørkrid
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Victoria Nankabirwa
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Linda Nyanchoka
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Hollie Stone
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Mahima Venkateswaran
- Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health (CISMAC), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Aleena M Wojcieszek
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- International Stillbirth Alliance, Millburn, NJ, USA.
| | | | - Vicki J Flenady
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- International Stillbirth Alliance, Millburn, NJ, USA.
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Estimating Gestational Age in Late Presenters to Antenatal Care in a Resource-Limited Setting on the Thai-Myanmar Border. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131025. [PMID: 26114295 PMCID: PMC4482646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Estimating gestational age in resource-limited settings is prone to considerable inaccuracy because crown-rump length measured by ultrasound before 14 weeks gestation, the recommended method for estimating gestational age, is often unavailable. Judgements regarding provision of appropriate obstetric and neonatal care are dependent on accurate estimation of gestational age. We determined the accuracy of the Dubowitz Gestational Age Assessment, a population-specific symphysis-fundal height formula, and ultrasound biometry performed between 16 and 40 weeks gestation in estimating gestational age using pre-existing data from antenatal clinics of the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit on the Thai-Myanmar border, where malaria is endemic. Two cohorts of women who gave birth to live singletons were analysed: 1) 250 women who attended antenatal care between July 2001 and May 2006 and had both ultrasound crown-rump length (reference) and a Dubowitz Gestational Age Assessment; 2) 975 women attending antenatal care between April 2007 and October 2010 who had ultrasound crown-rump length, symphysis-fundal measurements, and an additional study ultrasound (biparietal diameter and head circumference) randomly scheduled between 16 and 40 weeks gestation. Mean difference in estimated newborn gestational age between methods and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were determined from linear mixed-effects models. The Dubowitz method and the symphysis-fundal height formula performed well in term newborns, but overestimated gestational age of preterms by 2.57 weeks (95% LOA: 0.49, 4.65) and 3.94 weeks (95% LOA: 2.50, 5.38), respectively. Biparietal diameter overestimated gestational age by 0.83 weeks (95% LOA: -0.93, 2.58). Head circumference underestimated gestational age by 0.39 weeks (95% LOA: -2.60, 1.82), especially if measured after 24 weeks gestation. The results of this study can be used to quantify biases associated with alternative methods for estimating gestational age in the absence of ultrasound crown-rump length to inform critical clinical judgements in this population, and as a point of reference elsewhere.
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Allen EN, Gomes M, Yevoo L, Egesah O, Clerk C, Byamugisha J, Mbonye A, Were E, Mehta U, Atuyambe LM. Influences on participant reporting in the World Health Organisation drugs exposure pregnancy registry; a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:525. [PMID: 25367130 PMCID: PMC4229602 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-014-0525-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organisation has designed a pregnancy registry to investigate the effect of maternal drug use on pregnancy outcomes in resource-limited settings. In this sentinel surveillance system, detailed health and drug use data are prospectively collected from the first antenatal clinic visit until delivery. Over and above other clinical records, the registry relies on accurate participant reports about the drugs they use. Qualitative methods were incorporated into a pilot registry study during 2010 and 2011 to examine barriers to women reporting these drugs and other exposures at antenatal clinics, and how they might be overcome. Methods Twenty-seven focus group discussions were conducted in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda with a total of 208 women either enrolled in the registry or from its source communities. A question guide was designed to uncover the types of exposure data under- or inaccurately reported at antenatal clinics, the underlying reasons, and how women prefer to be asked questions. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Results Women said it was important for them to report everything they had used during pregnancy. However, they expressed reservations about revealing their consumption of traditional, over-the-counter medicines and alcohol to antenatal staff because of anticipated negative reactions. Some enrolled participants' improved relationship with registry staff facilitated information sharing and the registry tools helped overcome problems with recall and naming of medicines. Decisions about where women sought care, which influenced medicines used and antenatal clinic attendance, were influenced by pressure within and outside of the formal healthcare system to conform to conflicting behaviours. Conversations also reflected women's responsibilities for producing a healthy baby. Conclusions Women in this study commonly take traditional medicines in pregnancy, and to a lesser extent over-the-counter medicines and alcohol. The World Health Organisation pregnancy registry shows potential to enhance their reporting of these substances at the antenatal clinic. However, more work is needed to find optimal techniques for eliciting accurate reports, especially where the detail of constituents may never be known. It will also be important to find ways of sustaining such drug exposure surveillance systems in busy antenatal clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N Allen
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Melba Gomes
- World Health Organisation, 1211 Avenue Appia, Geneva, 27, Switzerland.
| | - Lucy Yevoo
- Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana.
| | - Omar Egesah
- Department of Anthropology, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
| | - Christine Clerk
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Dodowa, Ghana.
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Edwin Were
- Department of Reproductive Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
| | - Ushma Mehta
- Independent Pharmacovigilance Consultant, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Lynn M Atuyambe
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
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Mosha D, Mazuguni F, Mrema S, Abdulla S, Genton B. Medication exposure during pregnancy: a pilot pharmacovigilance system using health and demographic surveillance platform. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2014; 14:322. [PMID: 25223541 PMCID: PMC4177159 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is limited safety information on most drugs used during pregnancy. This is especially true for medication against tropical diseases because pharmacovigilance systems are not much developed in these settings. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate feasibility of using Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) as a platform to monitor drug safety in pregnancy. Methods Pregnant women with gestational age below 20 weeks were recruited from Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) clinics or from monthly house visits carried out for the HDSS. A structured questionnaire was used to interview pregnant women. Participants were followed on monthly basis to record any new drug used as well as pregnancy outcome. Results 1089 pregnant women were recruited; 994 (91.3%) completed the follow-up until delivery. 98% women reported to have taken at least one medication during pregnancy, mainly those used in antenatal programmes. Other most reported drugs were analgesics (24%), antibiotics (17%), and antimalarial (15%), excluding IPTp. Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) was the most used antimalarial for treating illness by nearly 3/4 compared to other groups of malaria drugs. Overall, antimalarial and antibiotic exposures in pregnancy were not significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. Iron and folic acid supplementation were associated with decreased risk of miscarriage/stillbirth (OR 0.1; 0.08 – 0.3). Conclusion Almost all women were exposed to medication during pregnancy. Exposure to iron and folic acid had a beneficial effect on pregnancy outcome. HDSS proved to be a useful platform to establish a reliable pharmacovigilance system in resource-limited countries. Widening drug safety information is essential to facilitate evidence based risk-benefit decision for treatment during pregnancy, a major challenge with newly marketed medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Mosha
- Ifakara Health Institute, Rufiji, HDSS, P,O Box 40, Rufiji, Tanzania.
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21
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Safety of pediatric HIV elimination: the growing population of HIV- and antiretroviral-exposed but uninfected infants. PLoS Med 2014; 11:e1001636. [PMID: 24781352 PMCID: PMC4004531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lynne Mofenson and Heather Watts discuss the context and implications of the study by J. Sibuide and colleagues, which provides a detailed analysis of birth defects in infants with in utero antiretroviral drug exposure in the French Perinatal Cohort. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.
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Long-term effects of exposure to disease-modifying drugs in the offspring of mothers with multiple sclerosis: a retrospective chart review. CNS Drugs 2013; 27:955-61. [PMID: 24114585 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-013-0113-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) mainly affects women of fertile age. To date, the only recommendation for women with MS intending to become pregnant is to stop all treatment. This recommendation reflects the concerns about the effects of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) on the offspring. The objective of the present study was to assess the potential long-term effects of maternal exposure to DMDs on the offspring. METHOD This was a retrospective study revising medical data on the offspring of women with MS. These women now have children aged at least 1 year and include a group of patients that were not exposed to any DMDs for at least 3 months prior to pregnancy and during the whole gestation (control group). Another group of patients had at least 2 weeks of exposure to DMDs, mainly to interferon beta or glatiramer acetate RESULTS The women with MS participating in this study have children currently aged, on average, 6.6 years (range 1-39 years). There was no pattern of drug-related adverse events or complications in the children whose mothers were exposed to DMDs. No specific long-term adverse events were observed in the offspring of women with MS who were exposed to drugs during pregnancy. The profile of relevant diagnoses in their children was similar to that of children whose mothers had not been exposed to DMDs. CONCLUSIONS The present retrospective study did not show a specific profile of long-term deleterious drug effects on children born from mothers who were exposed to drugs for MS treatment.
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