Maternal exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs and the risk of congenital abnormalities in offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors

Weiyi Huang
Robin Page
Theresa Morris
Susan Ayres, Texas A&M University School of LawFollow
Alva Ferdinand
Samiran Sinha

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2023

Journal Title

PLoS One

ISSN

1932-6203

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0294996

Abstract

Background

The association of maternal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) with the risk of system-specific congenital malformations in offspring remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine this association and the risk difference between these two types of inhibitors.

Methods

A literature search was performed from January 2000 to May 2023 using PubMed and Web of Science databases. Cohort and case-control studies that assess the association of maternal exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs with the risk of congenital abnormalities were eligible for the study.

Results

Twenty-one cohort studies and seven case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to non-exposure, maternal exposure to SNRIs is associated with a higher risk of congenital cardiovascular abnormalities (pooled OR: 1.64 with 95% CI: 1.36, 1.97), anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (pooled OR: 1.63 with 95% CI: 1.21, 2.20), malformations of nervous system (pooled OR: 2.28 with 95% CI: 1.50, 3.45), anomalies of digestive system (pooled OR: 2.05 with 95% CI: 1.60, 2.64) and abdominal birth defects (pooled OR: 2.91 with 95%CI: 1.98, 4.28), while maternal exposure to SSRIs is associated with a higher risk of congenital cardiovascular abnormalities (pooled OR: 1.25 with 95%CI: 1.20, 1.30), anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (pooled OR: 1.14 with 95%CI: 1.02, 1.27), anomalies of digestive system (pooled OR: 1.11 with 95%CI: 1.01, 1.21), abdominal birth defects (pooled OR: 1.33 with 95%CI: 1.16, 1.53) and musculoskeletal malformations (pooled OR: 1.44 with 95%CI: 1.32, 1.56).

Conclusions

SSRIs and SNRIs have various teratogenic risks. Clinicians must consider risk-benefit ratios and patient history when prescribing medicine

First Page

1

Last Page

39

Num Pages

39

Volume Number

18

Issue Number

11

Publisher

PLOS

Recommended Citation

Weiyi Huang, Robin Page, Theresa Morris, Susan Ayres, Alva Ferdinand & Samiran Sinha, Maternal exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs and the risk of congenital abnormalities in offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 18 PLoS One 1 (2023).
Available at: https://scholarship.law.tamu.edu/facscholar/2088

File Type

PDF