Pharmacology Review: Maternal Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Use and Neurologic Effects on the Neonate

The management of depression during pregnancy is complicated by the risks to the mother and the fetus by both the disease state itself as well as the medications used to treat it. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which include the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly used medications for the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. SSRIs readily cross the placenta and can affect fetal 5-hydroxytryptamine levels. Research into the effects of SSRIs on neonates has shown conflicting results, likely confounded by the fact that maternal depression itself may also lead to adverse outcomes for the neonate. This review aims to discuss the link between markers of fetal central nervous damage and maternal SSRI use, evaluate the literature reporting various short- and long-term neurologic effects in neonates after maternal use of SSRIs, and develop recommendations for the management of and parental counseling about various adverse neurologic outcomes of SSRI use during pregnancy.
Source: NeoReviews recent issues - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Pediatric Drug Labeling Update Articles Source Type: news