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The risks of statin use in pregnancy: A systematic review
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The risks of statin use in pregnancy: A systematic review

Dean G. Karalis, Alethea N. Hill, Shari Clifton and Robert A. Wild
Journal of clinical lipidology, v 10(5), pp 1081-1090
01 Oct 2016
PMID: 27678424

Abstract

Life Sciences & Biomedicine Pharmacology & Pharmacy Science & Technology
Statins are contraindicated in pregnancy; however, as women delay pregnancy and statin use increases the risk of statin exposure in pregnancy is likely to rise. In contrast to some early reports that statins are teratogenic, more recent observational studies have called into question the teratogenic risk of statins. Therefore, whether statins are associated with congenital anomalies or other pregnancy complications remains an important clinical question. This article provides an up-to-date systematic review on the risks of statins in pregnancy. We conducted a literature search to identify relevant English language studies related to statin exposure and pregnancy. Single case reports, animal studies, studies only published in abstract form, and non-English language studies were excluded. A total of 16 clinical studies were included in this systematic review. Although early uncontrolled case series reported congenital anomalies associated with statin use, more recent observational studies did not report an increased risk of congenital anomalies with statin exposure in pregnancy when compared to control groups or the prevalence of congenital anomalies in the general population. Our findings show no clear relationship of congenital anomalies with statin use in pregnancy, and our study supports the findings that statins are probably not teratogenic. However, until more information is available, statins should still be avoided in pregnancy. (C) 2016 National Lipid Association. All rights reserved.

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This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#5 Gender Equality
#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
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