Selecting drugs for the pregnant dental patient

Latest Concepts in Endodontic Management of Pregnant Patients

Pregnant patients and how to manage their treatments is one of the most important challenges in endodontic practice. Endodontic treatment on pregnant women is sometimes an emergency condition to control toothache due to irreversible pulpitis and odontogenic infection. Tooth decay, oral health, local and general anesthesia, analgesics, antibiotic prescription, drug interactions, and X-ray radiation are the most important considerations that may impact treatment planning and endodontic practice in pregnancy. The aim of this article is to notify and explain the latest concepts in the endodontic management of pregnant patients.

Dermatologic and cosmetic procedures in pregnancy

Background:

Materials and Methods:

Results:

Pregnancy and Dentistry: A Literature Review on Risk Management during Dental Surgical Procedures

Background: Pregnancy is a unique moment in a woman’s life, accompanied with several physiologic changes that have an impact on oral health. Aim of the study: The purpose of the present study was to conduct a critical review of published literature regarding pregnancy and dentistry, the most frequent oral diseases that are encountered during pregnancy, their correlation to adverse pregnancy events, and safe dental treatments that can be performed during pregnancy. Methods: A Medline/COCHRANE search was carried using specific keywords and MeSH terms, combined with the boolean operators “OR” and “AND”. Results: The search led to 146 publications including guidelines, meta-analyses, systematic and non-systematic reviews, published between 2000 and 2021. Discussion and conclusions: Due to the increased inflammatory and immune body response that characterizes pregnancy, periodontal conditions are often aggravated during pregnancy and periodontal disease encountered frequently in pregnant patients. There are conflicting study results in the literature regarding the association between periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Periodontal treatment did not show a significant reduction in the adverse outcomes. Many dentists, often due to lack of information, are reluctant to provide dental treatment to pregnant women. However, preventive and restorative dental treatment is safe during pregnancy. Diagnostic radiographs may be performed after the first trimester if absolutely necessary. Analgesics (such as paracetamol) and anesthetics (such as lidocaine) are also considered safe. In case of infection, antibacterial drugs such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, and some cephalosporines and macrolides can also be prescribed. Organogenesis takes place in the first trimester, the time during which the fetus is susceptible to severe malformations (teratogenesis). The ideal time to perform dental treatment is the second trimester (week 17 to 28). However, acute pain or infections make the intervention of the dentist absolutely necessary and emergency treatment can be performed during the whole pregnancy period.

Trabeculectomy in pregnancy: Case studies and literature review

Glaucoma management during pregnancy is a challenge for the patient and doctor. During pregnancy, the intraocular pressure (IOP) decreases. However, some women with preexisting glaucoma have elevated IOP requiring enhanced medical treatment. Glaucoma refractory to medical treatment combined with disease progression may necessitate laser trabeculoplasty or surgical intervention. Surgery during pregnancy has potential risks for both the mother and fetus. The challenges include problems with anesthesia, positioning for surgery, difficulties in the surgical procedure, potential risk with antimetabolites, and concerns with the management of postoperative complications. We report two case scenarios that highlight the challenges associated with trabeculectomy in pregnant women and the modifications that can be adopted to improve safety and the efficacy of glaucoma filtering surgery during pregnancy.

Management of glaucoma in pregnancy - balancing safety with efficacy

Glaucoma and pregnancy is an uncommon combination, but it constitutes a very challenging situation for the treating doctor. The challenge is not only controlling the intraocular pressure and preventing glaucoma progression in the mother, but also having to deal with her mental stress and anxiety regarding the safety of her child. The situation is further worsened by the lack of definite guidelines as to how to deal with such patients. Relative rarity of glaucoma in this population restricts any large prospective randomized clinical trials or any large systematic studies. Moreover, none of the existing anti-glaucoma medications is absolutely safe in pregnancy. Current practice patterns depend on some case reports, a few observational studies and a few animal studies that attempt at determining the safety and efficacy of the available medicines. These are then prescribed on the basis of their relative safety in any particular stage of pregnancy or lactation. Newer medications that were released recently in 2018, such as Vyzulta and Rhopressa, presently have limited data to support their safety for use during pregnancy. Laser trabeculoplasty, conventional filtration surgery (of course without anti-metabolites), and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery represent a few non-pharmacological management options. Surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy and tube-shunts or collagen matrix implants, and newer minimally invasive glaucoma surgery procedures such as the gelatin stents are currently being explored and may prove to be viable solutions for severe glaucoma during pregnancy, although they too have their own inherent drawbacks. Management of glaucoma during pregnancy and lactation requires careful consideration of the disease status, gestational stage, US Food and Drug Administration classification and guidelines, and potential benefits and limitations of the various therapeutic modalities. This review focuses on the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach, starting with preconception planning and counseling, determining the treatment options depending on the stage of glaucoma and of pregnancy, and emphasizes the involvement of the patients, their obstetrician, and pediatrician through active discussion regarding the various medical, laser, or surgical modalities currently available or under exploration for use during pregnancy and lactation. The ultimate aim is to achieve an optimal balance between the risks and benefits of any type of intervention, and to customize treatment on an individual basis in order to achieve the best outcomes for both mother and fetus.

Glaucoma in pregnancy: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Glaucoma management during pregnancy is a complex challenge, which requires balancing the clinical disease of the mother with the potential risks of therapy to the developing child. Because systematic studies are lacking in the pregnant population, this review aims to collect the array of available data from observational studies and case reports to provide the reader with guidance and context for the safety of glaucoma interventions during pregnancy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Surgical glaucoma is a rapidly expanding field with many new technologies and procedures. We review the surgical options for the gravid patient with reference to traditional procedures like trabeculectomy and tube-shunts, and newer MIGS procedures. When indicated, orphan trabeculectomy, or with collagen matrix implant may be a viable solution for severe glaucoma during pregnancy. Newer MIGS procedures such as the gelatin stent may also provide minimally invasive options for pregnant patients. Two new medications, Vyzulta and Rhopressa, were recently released in 2018 and have limited data to support their safety for use during pregnancy.

SUMMARY

The careful consideration of fetal health in the management of glaucoma during pregnancy is best done as a part of a multidisciplinary team including obstetrics and neonatology. When medication is necessary, steps to minimize systemic absorption should be employed. Surgical management should not be excluded for pregnant patients and may be considered before medical management in some cases to prevent fetal exposures and maternal harm.

Cutaneous Surgery in Patients Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Dermatologic surgery in pregnant/postpartum patients requires deliberate consideration. Although surgery can be safely performed during any trimester, the second trimester and immediate postpartum period is optimal. Surgery should not be delayed for melanoma/high-risk skin cancers. Perioperative positioning, analgesic, antiseptic, and antibiotic selection should be deliberate to avoid risk to the patient/fetus/infant. The left lateral tilt position reduces aortocaval compression syndrome. Lidocaine and epinephrine can be used safely. Alcohol and chlorhexidine are considered safe. Antibiotics commonly used in skin surgery are safe in pregnancy and lactation. Acetaminophen is first line for pain management. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs should be avoided.

[Pharmacokinetics and drug safety of oral infectious disease during pregnancy]

Pregnancy is a time of particular vulnerability in terms of physiologic changes resulting in higher risk of oral infectious diseases. There is emerging evidence showing that irrational dental treatment and drug therapy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including infant malformation or spontaneous abortion. This article reviews the pharmacokinetics of medications in pregnant women and the fetus and introduces a guideline for drug therapy and common dental drugs used during pregnancy.

A review of the safety of cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and lactation

The safety of cosmetic procedures in patients who are pregnant and/or lactating is a complex clinical question surrounded by uncertainty. Our objective is to consolidate data on the safety of commonly requested cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and lactation after a systematic review of the current literature to guide evidence-based care in the future. A systematic search of the PubMed database was conducted for articles on cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and lactation. Due to a lack of controlled trials, case reports and series were considered. Minor procedures such as shave, punch, snipping, and electrocautery are considered safe. With respect to chemical peels, glycolic and lactic acid peels are deemed safe; however, trichloracetic and salicylic acid peels should be avoided or used with caution. Although safety data on botulinum toxin A is insufficient, the procedure may be safe because systemic absorption and placental transfer are negligible. Sclerotherapy can be safe during pregnancy but must be avoided during the first trimester and after week 36 of the pregnancy. Laser and light therapies have been considered generally safe for patients with granulomatous conditions and condylomata. Epilation should be limited to waxing, shaving, and topical treatments instead of permanent procedures. In patients who are lactating, most therapies discussed above are safe but fat transfer, sclerotherapy, and tumescent liposuction are not recommended. Better evidence is needed to make concrete recommendations on the safety of cosmetic therapy during pregnancy and lactation but preliminary evidence suggests excellent safety profiles for many commonly requested cosmetic procedures.

Glaucoma Surgery in Pregnancy: A Case Series and Literature Review

Glaucoma management in pregnant patients is a real challenge, especially when the glaucoma is not controlled with medications. We report the results of 6 incisional glaucoma surgeries for the management of medically uncontrolled glaucoma patients during pregnancy. This retrospective, case series was conducted on the 6 eyes of 3pregnant patients with uncontrolled glaucoma using maximum tolerable medications. Details of the glaucoma surgical management of these patients as well as their postoperative care and pregnancy and clinical outcomes on longitudinal follow-up are discussed. All 3 patients had juvenile open-angle glaucoma and were on various anti-glaucoma medications, including oral acetazolamide. The first case described underwent trabeculectomy without antimetabolites in both eyes because of uncontrolled intraocular pressure with topical medications. The surgery was done with topical lidocaine jelly and subconjunctival lidocaine during the second and third trimesters. The second patient had an Ahmed valve implantation in both eyes during the second and third trimesters because of uncontrolled IOP with topical medications and no response to selective laser trabeculoplasty. Surgery was done with topical tetracaine and subconjunctival and sub-Tenon's lidocaine. The third case had a Baerveldt valve implantation under general anesthesia in the second trimester. In selected pregnant glaucoma patients with medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure threatening vision, incisional surgery may lead to good outcomes for the patient with no risk for the fetus.

Considerations in Management of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in One Eyed Pregnant Females: A Report of Two Cases

The aim of this case report is to discuss issues related to management of one eyed pregnant female. A 26-year-old female (Patient A) and 28-year-old female (Patient B) both in second trimester and one eyed presented to our outpatient department with diminution of vision due to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Retina was attached in Patient A following scleral buckling surgery but Patient B required pars plana vitrectomy with silicon oil tamponade. Best corrected visual acuity in both patients did improve from 1/60 to 6/24 and 6/18, respectively at 6 months follow-up. Exudative RDs are known to occur in pregnancy as a complication of preeclampsia, but RRD in pregnancy although co-incidental poses certain challenge with regard to management of such cases especially if the patient is one-eyed. Things to consider for management include (1) type of anesthesia (2) surgical positioning (3) positioning after surgery (4) anti-glaucoma medication if required (5) corticosteroid treatment in pregnancy (6) to provide them ambulatory vision as early as possible. With proper management and monitoring it is possible to provide them with early ambulatory vision without offering any harm to her pregnancy and fetus.

Prescribing in primary dental care: general principles

Prescribing medicines is an essential part of comprehensive dental care. Behind this seemingly simple act lies a range of skills. These include understanding the physiological interaction of the medicines in the body as well as their potential for harm either to body systems or when conflicting with other medicines taken by the patient. The decision to prescribe is thus complex even before the efficacy of the drug for the dental condition is considered. This paper reviews some of the issues that the primary care practitioner must consider when prescribing, as well as practical concerns to make prescribing safe and effective.

Pregnancy-associated retinal diseases and their management

Pregnancy-associated retinal diseases are conditions that may occur uniquely in pregnancy or, more commonly, general conditions that may worsen or alter during pregnancy as a result of hematologic, hormonal, metabolic, cardiovascular, and immunologic changes. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is by far the most common retinal condition that is altered by pregnancy. However, there are currently no widely accepted, precise clinical guidelines regarding its management during pregnancy. At present it is not possible to predict who will regress and who will progress without treatment. Some of the variation in progression of DR in pregnancy may be a result of well-known risk factors such as hypertension or inadequate glycemic control prior to pregnancy. Other pregnancy-associated retinal diseases are relatively uncommon, and their treatments are poorly characterized. Pre-existing conditions include the white dot syndromes, such as punctuate inner choroidopathy and ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, as well as chorioretinal neovascularization from many other etiologies. Retinal and chorioretinal disorders that can arise during pregnancy include central serous chorioretinopathy and occlusive vasculopathy such as retinal artery occlusion (Purtschers-like retinopathy) and retinal vein occlusion. There remains a small group that appear to be unique to pregnancy, with pre-eclampsia- and eclampsia-associated retinopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, or amniotic fluid embolism being the best described. In angiogenic retinal diseases outside of pregnancy, the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF agents) has proven helpful. There are no safety data about the use of anti-VEGF agents during pregnancy, and conventionally the proposed interventions have been laser photocoagulation and systemic or intravitreal injections of steroids. Most of the literature on the treatment of pregnancy associated-chorioretinal neovascularization is anecdotal.

Pharmacology of intravenous sedative/anesthetic medications used in oral surgery

This article provides an overview of historical and current sedative agents available to the dentist anesthetist. The surgeon is given rational choices for sedation and the individualization of drug selection for each patient. Total intravenous anesthesia is becoming increasingly popular for dental sedation because of the availability of ultra-short-acting drugs and computerized infusion technology. Levels of sedation are more easily achieved and maintained, and recovery is enhanced, which gives the operator extreme, moment-to-moment control of the anesthetic experience and improves patient outcomes.

Pregnancy and dermatologic therapy

Dermatologists should be familiar with medication safety in pregnancy to be able to prescribe safely and confidently to pregnant women or women who may become pregnant during the course of treatment for dermatologic conditions. Topical medications should be considered first-line therapy for pregnant women, but certain systemic medications are safe to use in pregnancy and may be prescribed if necessary. Dermatologic surgery may be performed during the second trimester of pregnancy with proper positioning, but elective procedures should be delayed until the postpartum period.

Local anesthetic use in the pregnant and postpartum patient

The use of systemically absorbed drugs in the gravid and in the lactating patient is of concern to the dentist. This article reviews concerns for the health and safety of the mother, developing fetus, and neonate involving local anesthetics. The available literature on the use of local anesthetics for dentistry in the pregnant and postpartum patient is also reviewed. In addition, the physiology of the pregnant and postpartum woman is discussed because this is essential to understanding potential interplay with local anesthesia and the stress of a dental appointment.

Prenatal dental care: evaluation of professional knowledge of obstetricians and dentists in the cities of Londrina/PR and Bauru/SP, Brazil, 2004

The purpose of this study was to assess the current knowledge and recommendations of obstetricians and dentists as to the dental care to pregnant patients in the cities of Londrina/PR and Bauru/SP, Brazil. Questionnaires were distributed to professionals of both cities, arguing on the following issues: oral health during pregnancy; contact between prenatal care and dental care providers; prenatal fluoride supplementation; selection of therapeutic agents for local anesthesia, pain control and treatment of infection; and dental procedures that can be performed during each trimester. Data were analyzed by frequency of responses and statistical analyses were carried out using X² (type of workplace/service) and t test (time since graduation), significant if p<0.05. Seventy-nine obstetricians and 37 dentists responded the questionnaires. Most physicians referred the patient to dental care only when a source of dental problem was mentioned, limiting the adoption of a preventive approach. Forty-three percent of dentists and 34% of obstetricians did not know the potential contribution of periodontal infection as a risk factor for preterm low birth-weight babies. There was divergence from scientific literature as to the recommendation of local anesthetics (dentists and obstetricians), prenatal fluoride supplementation (obstetricians) and dental radiographs (dentists). The findings of this survey with dentists and obstetricians showed that dental management during pregnancy still presents some deviations from scientific literature recommendations, indicating the need to update these health care professionals in order to establish guidelines for prenatal dental care.

Severe life threatening maxillofacial infection in pregnancy presented as Ludwig's angina

BACKGROUND

Ludwig's angina is a rapidly spreading cellulitis that may produce upper airway obstruction often leading to death. There is very little published information regarding this condition in the pregnant patient.

CASE

A 24-year old black female was admitted at 26 weeks gestation with tooth pain, submandibular swelling, severe trismus, and dysphagea, consistent with Ludwig's angina. Her treatment included emergent tracheostomy, incision and drainage of associated spaces, teeth extraction, and antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

During a life threatening infectious situation such as the one described, risks of maternal and fetal morbidity include both septicemia and asphyxia. Furthermore, the healthcare provider must consider the risks that the condition and the possible treatments may cause the mother and her unborn child.

Pregnancy: physiologic changes and considerations for dental patients

Human gestation is a period of dynamic physiologic changes designed to support the development fetus. Systems affected include the respiratory, gastrointestinal, circulatory, and musculoskeletal. These alterations influence the patient's general health and make her prone to develop complications unique to pregnancy. Such complications include pre-eclampsia, gestation diabetes, and pregnancy tumors. The fetus's development is also affected by its mother's health, social habits, and medication usage. To protect both the mother and unborn child, dental professional may need to incorporate maternal counseling, treatment modifications, or changes to their customary medication repertoire.

Pregnancy and Dermatologic Surgery

The physiologic changes of pregnancy and risks to the fetus require attention during dermatologic surgery. Elective surgery should be performed in the second trimester or the postpartum period. Cosmetic work should occur after delivery to avoid hypertrophic or hyperpigmented scars. Skin preparatory agents and anesthetics may have fetal implications and should be chosen with care. Antibiotic selection for any infections must take into account possible maternal and fetal risks. Attention to detail and awareness of the changes in pregnancy should lead to safe surgery in the pregnant patient.

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy results in physiologic changes in almost all organ systems in the body mediated mainly by female sex hormones. Physiologic changes of pregnancy influence the dental management of women during pregnancy. Understanding these normal changes is essential for providing quality care for pregnant women. This review article briefly discusses the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, endocrine, and oral physiologic changes that occur during normal gestation. A summary of current scientific knowledge of ionizing radiation is presented. Information about the compatibility, complications, and excretion of the common drugs during pregnancy is provided. Drugs and their usage during breast-feeding are also discussed. Guidelines for the management of a pregnant patient in the dental office are summarized.

Dermatologic surgery and the pregnant patient

BACKGROUND

Because of concerns about potential harm to the mother or fetus, dermatologic surgeons are frequently hesitant to perform cutaneous surgery on pregnant patients.

OBJECTIVE

To review the relevant physiologic changes during pregnancy, appropriate preparation for and timing of procedures, and drug safety.

METHODS

A literature review was performed of dermatologic and nondermatologic journals discussing physiology, surgery, and drug safety in the pregnant patient.

RESULTS

Special positioning is required for the pregnant patient during surgery. Low doses of most local anesthetics with epinephrine as well as nitrous oxide less than 50% are safe to use during pregnancy. Sedatives and opioids are potential teratogens and should be avoided. Safe antibiotics to use during skin surgery in pregnancy include penicillins, cephalosporins, and nonestolate erythromycin. If necessary, lymph node dissections under general anesthesia in the pregnant melanoma patient should occur during the second trimester.

CONCLUSION

With appropriate preparation, safe and successful cutaneous surgery can be performed on the pregnant patient.

Management of glaucoma in pregnancy and lactation

A 30-year-old pregnant woman with glaucoma is presented. The management of her case is used as a basis for a discussion of the use of glaucoma medications, including newer formulations, during pregnancy and lactation.