Maternal spermicide use and adverse reproductive outcome:a meta-analysis

Article Abstract:

There is much concern over the safety of any drug used during pregnancy. It is not clear whether using contraceptive agents that kill sperm (vaginal spermicide) during pregnancy can damage a developing fetus. Since documented adverse effects are limited, there aren't enough cases to be statistically significant. Three mechanisms of action have been suggested. Spermicide absorbed through the wall of the vagina can damage the egg; sperm can be damaged but not inactivated; or the spermicide can be absorbed after fertilization has occurred, damaging the developing embryo. After a review of all current research relating to spermicide and fetal malformations, nine studies were selected for analysis. Stillbirths, spontaneous abortions, terminations of pregnancy, animal studies and use in nonpregnant women were excluded from the analysis. The relationship between spermicide use during pregnancy and an adverse fetal outcome was investigated. Using a variety of statistical methods, no association between maternal use of spermicide and detrimental fetal outcome was established. The teratogenic effect of drugs on the developing fetus is important information that can be used to disclaim invalid law suits filed against pharmaceutical companies and physicians. Single studies observed in isolation are not statistically significant. Therefore, this statistical method found no association between the use of spermicide during pregnancy and abnormal fetal outcomes. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Causes of, Fetus, Statistics, Birth defects, Human embryo, Spermicides, Teratogenesis

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Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication

Article Abstract:

Maternal medication does not appear to cause severe reactions in most breast-fed infants. Some infants may have a mild short-term reaction with no long-term consequences. Among 838 breast-fed infants whose mothers were taking medication, no major adverse reactions occurred. Eleven percent had a minor adverse reaction that did not require treatment. Medications that caused a mild adverse reaction included antibiotics, analgesics or narcotics, antihistamines and different types of psychoactive drugs. The symptoms of a minor adverse reaction varied depending on the drug. The most common symptoms were diarrhea, drowsiness and irritability.

Drugs, Physiological aspects, Infants, Breast feeding, Adverse drug reactions

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Safety of metronidazole in pregnancy: a meta-analysis

Article Abstract:

Metronidazole, a treatment for trichomoniasis, does not appear to cause fetal anomalies when used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Trichomoniasis is a common vaginal infection, and it is not uncommon for women using it to discover that they are pregnant. The medication can cross the placenta. The literature was surveyed and seven articles were found. Data from the seven studies were subjected to group analysis. Overall, 1336 women were exposed to metronidazole during the first trimester. No increase was found in the odds of fetal anomalies in this group.

Metronidazole

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