Antipsychotic medication use during pregnancy does not put women at additional risk of developing gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders or major blood clots that obstruct circulation, according to a new study led by researchers at Women's College Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES).
The study, published today in BMJ, is the largest to date to examine possible links between newer antipsychotic medications -- such as quetiapine, olanzapine and risperidone -- and medical conditions that often develop during pregnancy or with use of older antipsychotic drug medications.
"Antipsychotic drug use during pregnancy is on the rise, but little is known about possible effects of the newer medications on maternal health or perinatal outcomes like pre-term birth or large birthweight," said Dr. Simone Vigod, a scientist with Women's College Research Institute and an adjunct scientist with ICES.
Antipsychotic drugs are a range of medications that are used for some types of mental distress or disorder - mainly schizophrenia and manic depression (bipolar disorder). They can also be used to help severe anxiety or depression.
The study compared a group of 1,021 pregnant women who took antipsychotics during pregnancy to a group of 1,021 pregnant women of similar of age, income, mental health status and health care utilization who did not take antipsychotics. The researchers found:
- There were no significant differences in risk for gestational diabetes, gestational hypertensive disorders or venous thromboembolism between women who had taken antipsychotic medications during pregnancy and those who had not.
- There were no significant differences in risk for preterm delivery, extremely low birth weights or extremely high birth weights in infants born to women who had taken antipsychotic medications during pregnancy and those who had not.
- Women who used antipsychotic medications during pregnancy were more likely to require labour induction compared to women who did not take an antipsychotic drugs while pregnant.
"The maternal and perinatal medical risks associated with antipsychotic drug use itself during pregnancy appear to be minimal," said Dr. Vigod. "Ultimately, our results support better-informed decision making for women managing mental illness."
The researchers add that there is an ongoing need to carefully assess and monitor pregnant women who are dealing with mental illness.
"Our results are reassuring for women who require antipsychotic medication to maintain their mental health stability during pregnancy, at least with respect to short term maternal and infant outcomes," she added. "Research into longer term child outcomes will be needed to provide a full picture of the long term impact of antipsychotic exposure in a developing fetus."
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The study was funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.
Authors: Simone Vigod, Tara Gomes, Andrew Wilton, Valerie Taylor, Joel Ray.
ICES is an independent, non-profit organization that uses population-based health information to produce knowledge on a broad range of health care issues. Our unbiased evidence provides measures of health system performance, a clearer understanding of the shifting health care needs of Ontarians, and a stimulus for discussion of practical solutions to optimize scarce resources. ICES knowledge is highly regarded in Canada and abroad, and is widely used by government, hospitals, planners, and practitioners to make decisions about care delivery and to develop policy.
Women's College Hospital is advancing the health of women and improving healthcare options for all by delivering innovative models of ambulatory care. Fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, the hospital is Canada's leading academic, ambulatory hospital and a world leader in women's health. With more than 800 physicians, nurses and health professionals, the hospital offers a range of specialized clinics and programs that are bridging the gaps in the health system. Women's College Hospital is helping to keep people out of hospital by being at the forefront of cutting-edge research, diagnosis and treatment that will help prevent illness and enable patients to manage their health conditions. This healthcare enables Canadians to live healthier, more independent lives. At the Women's College Research Institute, scientists combine science and patient care to develop innovative solutions to today's greatest health challenges.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Rebecca Cheung
Women's College Hospital
Marketing and Communications Specialist
416-323-6400, ext. 3210
rebecca.cheung@wchospital.ca
Deborah Creatura
ICES
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(o) 416-480-4780 or (c) 647-406-5996
deborah.creatura@ices.on.ca
Journal
The BMJ