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Anand A, Phillips K, Subramanian A, Lee SI, Wang Z, McCowan R, Agrawal U, Fagbamigbe AF, Nelson-Piercy C, Brocklehurst P, Damase-Michel C, Loane M, Nirantharakumar K, Azcoaga-Lorenzo A. Prevalence of polypharmacy in pregnancy: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067585. [PMID: 36878655 PMCID: PMC9990613 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067585] [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: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The use of medications among pregnant women has been rising over the past few decades but the reporting of polypharmacy has been sporadic. The objective of this review is to identify literature reporting the prevalence of polypharmacy among pregnant women, the prevalence of multimorbidity in women taking multiple medications in pregnancy and associated effects on maternal and offspring outcomes. DESIGN MEDLINE and Embase were searched from their inception to 14 September 2021 for interventional trials, observational studies and systematic reviews reporting on the prevalence of polypharmacy or the use of multiple medications in pregnancy were included.Data on prevalence of polypharmacy, prevalence of multimorbidity, combinations of medications and pregnancy and offspring outcomes were extracted. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS Fourteen studies met the review criteria. The prevalence of women being prescribed two or more medications during pregnancy ranged from 4.9% (4.3%-5.5%) to 62.4% (61.3%-63.5%), with a median of 22.5%. For the first trimester, prevalence ranged from 4.9% (4.7%-5.14%) to 33.7% (32.2%-35.1%). No study reported on the prevalence of multimorbidity, or associated pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to polypharmacy. CONCLUSION There is a significant burden of polypharmacy among pregnant women. There is a need for evidence on the combinations of medications prescribed in pregnancy, how this specifically affects women with multiple long-term conditions and the associated benefits and harms. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Our systematic review shows significant burden of polypharmacy in pregnancy but outcomes for women and offspring are unknown. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021223966.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astha Anand
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Katherine Phillips
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Siang Ing Lee
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zhaonan Wang
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Utkarsh Agrawal
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of Saint Andrews School of Medicine, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Adeniyi Frances Fagbamigbe
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of Saint Andrews School of Medicine, St. Andrews, UK
- Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Peter Brocklehurst
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Maria Loane
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, University of Ulster, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Amaya Azcoaga-Lorenzo
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of Saint Andrews School of Medicine, St. Andrews, UK
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Zafeiri A, Mitchell RT, Hay DC, Fowler PA. Over-the-counter analgesics during pregnancy: a comprehensive review of global prevalence and offspring safety. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:67-95. [PMID: 33118024 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analgesia during pregnancy is often necessary. Due to their widespread availability, many mothers opt to use over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics. Those analgesic compounds and their metabolites can readily cross the placenta and reach the developing foetus. Evidence for safety or associations with adverse health outcomes is conflicting, limiting definitive decision-making for healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review provides a detailed and objective overview of research in this field. We consider the global prevalence of OTC analgesia during pregnancy, explain the current mechanistic understanding of how analgesic compounds cross the placenta and reach the foetus, and review current research on exposure associations with offspring health outcomes. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive English language literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases. Different combinations of key search terms were used including 'over-the-counter/non-prescription analgesics', 'pregnancy', 'self-medication', 'paracetamol', 'acetaminophen', 'diclofenac', 'aspirin', 'ibuprofen', 'in utero exposure', 'placenta drug transport', 'placental transporters', 'placenta drug metabolism' and 'offspring outcomes'. OUTCOMES This article examines the evidence of foetal exposure to OTC analgesia, starting from different routes of exposure to evidence, or the lack thereof, linking maternal consumption to offspring ill health. There is a very high prevalence of maternal consumption of OTC analgesics globally, which is increasing sharply. The choice of analgesia selected by pregnant women differs across populations. Location was also observed to have an effect on prevalence of use, with more developed countries reporting the highest consumption rates. Some of the literature focuses on the association of in utero exposure at different pregnancy trimesters and the development of neurodevelopmental, cardiovascular, respiratory and reproductive defects. This is in contrast to other studies which report no associations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The high prevalence and the challenges of reporting exact consumption rates make OTC analgesia during pregnancy a pressing reproductive health issue globally. Even though some healthcare policy-making authorities have declared the consumption of some OTC analgesics for most stages of pregnancy to be safe, such decisions are often based on partial review of literature. Our comprehensive review of current evidence highlights that important knowledge gaps still exist. Those areas require further research in order to provide pregnant mothers with clear guidance with regard to OTC analgesic use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Zafeiri
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David C Hay
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Lack of Relationship Between Renal Function and Genetic Variants of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, MDR1, MRP2, UGT1A9, UGT1A8, and UGT2B7 in Patients After Liver Transplantation in a 2-Year Follow-up. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:2487-2491. [PMID: 32276840 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.01.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prolonged survival time after liver transplantation (LTX) creates the possibility of the occurrence and development of complications in the late post-transplantation period. Deterioration of renal function is 1 of these complications. The nephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and their metabolites produced during pharmacokinetic processes in the body is also postulated. The study was aimed at assessment of the relationship between selected single gene polymorphisms (SNPs) for enzymes and transport proteins and change of estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR) during 2-year follow-up in LTX patients. METHODS The study involved 244 patients after LTX (105 women [43.0%] and 139 men [57.0%]) receiving tacrolimus (191; 78.3%) or cyclosporine A (53; 21.7%). The study protocol conforms with the Declaration of Helsinki. RESULTS We have not observed significant differences of ΔeGFR between groups distinguished based on analyzed genotypes in patients treated with cyclosporine or tacrolimus. CONCLUSION Genetic variations of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, MDR1, MRP2, UGT1A9, UGT2B7, and UGT2B7 tested in LTX recipients are not associated with kidney function during the 24-month follow-up.
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Lynch MM, Squiers LB, Kosa KM, Dolina S, Read JG, Broussard CS, Frey MT, Polen KN, Lind JN, Gilboa SM, Biermann J. Making Decisions About Medication Use During Pregnancy: Implications for Communication Strategies. Matern Child Health J 2018; 22:92-100. [PMID: 28900803 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-017-2358-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore women's perceptions of the risks and benefits associated with medication use during pregnancy and to better understand how women make decisions related to medication use in pregnancy. Methods We conducted online focus groups with 48 women who used medication during pregnancy or while planning a pregnancy, and 12 in-depth follow-up interviews with a subset of these women. Results We found that women were aware of general risks associated with medication use but were often unable to articulate specific negative outcomes. Women were concerned most about medications' impact on fetal development but were also concerned about how either continuing or discontinuing medication during pregnancy could affect their own health. Women indicated that if the risk of a given medication were unknown, they would not take that medication during pregnancy. Conclusion This formative research found that women face difficult decisions about medication use during pregnancy and need specific information to help them make decisions. Enhanced communication between patients and their providers regarding medication use would help address this need. We suggest that public health practitioners develop messages to (1) encourage, remind, and prompt women to proactively talk with their healthcare providers about the risks of taking, not taking, stopping, or altering the dosage of a medication while trying to become pregnant and/or while pregnant; and (2) encourage all women of childbearing age to ask their healthcare providers about medication use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly M Lynch
- RTI International, Center for Communication Science, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Linda B Squiers
- RTI International, Center for Communication Science, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Katherine M Kosa
- RTI International, Center for Communication Science, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Suzanne Dolina
- RTI International, Center for Communication Science, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Jennifer Gard Read
- RTI International, Center for Communication Science, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Cheryl S Broussard
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Meghan T Frey
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Kara N Polen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Jennifer N Lind
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA.,United States Public Health Service, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suzanne M Gilboa
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
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Self-medication practice and associated factors among pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Trop Med Health 2018; 46:10. [PMID: 29743807 PMCID: PMC5928590 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-018-0091-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication which is the act of obtaining and using one or more medicines without medical supervision is a common practice among pregnant women. Unless proper caution is taken, it may result in maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. In Ethiopia, information on self-medication practice during pregnancy is scanty. Hence, this study aimed to assess self-medication practice and associated factors among pregnant women in government health centers in Addis Ababa. Methods An institution-based mixed study design using a sequential explanatory approach was employed among 617 pregnant women and nine key informants in Addis Ababa from May 8, 2017, to June 30, 2017. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select study participants, and purposive sampling technique was used to select the key informants. The quantitative data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23.0 whereas semi-structured questionnaire was used for in-depth interviews. Binary logistic regression was used for quantitative data analysis, and thematic analysis method was used for qualitative data. Results The prevalence of self-medication practice was 26.6%. Previous medication use (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.20, 95% CI 2.70-6.53), gestational period (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.41-0.98), education on self-medication (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.21-0.62), previous pregnancy and delivery related problems (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.06-2.76), and knowledge about risk of self-medication (AOR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.97) were significantly associated with self-medication practice. Lack of attention and priority of program designers, absence of strategies and guidelines; weak screening mechanisms, and regulatory enforcement were cited by the key informants as contributing factors for self-medication practices. Conclusions Considerable proportion of pregnant women practiced self-medication, including medicines categorized to have high risks. Gestational period, previous medication use, education on self-medication, previous pregnancy- and delivery-related problems, and knowledge were significantly associated with self-medication practice. In addition, there are correctable gaps in program designing, screening of pregnant women, regulatory enforcement, and strategies and guidelines. Hence, necessary measures at all levels must be taken to reduce risks of self-medication during pregnancy.
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Harris GME, Wood M, Eberhard-Gran M, Lundqvist C, Nordeng H. Patterns and predictors of analgesic use in pregnancy: a longitudinal drug utilization study with special focus on women with migraine. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2017; 17:224. [PMID: 28705177 PMCID: PMC5512742 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-017-1399-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have investigated the drug utilization patterns and factors predicting drug use in pregnant women with migraine. This longitudinal drug utilization study aimed to describe patterns of analgesic use in a sample of Norwegian pregnant women according to their migraine history, and to identify predictors for analgesic use among these women. Methods Pregnant women giving birth at Akershus University Hospital between 2008 and 2010 were recruited at ultrasound examination in gestational week 17. Data were collected by questionnaires in gestational weeks 17 and 32, and at 8 weeks postpartum, and linked to birth records. Women were grouped into four categories according to migraine history: no migraine history, previous migraine history, recent migraine history (within 1 year prior to pregnancy) and migraine in pregnancy. Patterns of use of analgesics were analyzed descriptively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors predicting analgesic use. Results Out of 1981 women, 5.0% reported having migraine in pregnancy, 13.2% had a recent history of migraine, 11.5% had a previous history of migraine, and 68.8% reported no history of migraine. Analgesic use declined during pregnancy. Many women switched from triptans and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to paracetamol, which constituted most of the analgesic use. Factors associated with analgesic use included recent migraine history (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2), more severe headache intensity (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.3–1.4), smoking (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.3) and multiparity (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7). Conclusions Women with migraine stop or switch medications during pregnancy. Analgesic use in pregnancy is affected by migraine characteristics and intensity, and also by socio-demographic factors. Clinicians should bear this in mind when giving advice on adequate management of migraine in pregnancy and safe analgesic use. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-017-1399-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd-Marie Eskerud Harris
- Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box. 1068, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Mollie Wood
- Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box. 1068, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Malin Eberhard-Gran
- Department of Child Health, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Health Services Research, Research Department, Akershus University Hospital and University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Christofer Lundqvist
- Health Services Research, Research Department, Akershus University Hospital and University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Hedvig Nordeng
- Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box. 1068, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Child Health, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Baraka M, Steurbaut S, Coomans D, Dupont AG. Determinants of medication use in a multi-ethnic population of pregnant women: A cross-sectional study. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2014; 19:108-20. [DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2013.879568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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