Use of proton-pump inhibitors in early pregnancy and the risk of birth defects – summary and commentary Review article

Abstract

Decision on drug usage during pregnancy is always a balancing between benefits and risks for pregnancy and for the fetus. Proton pump inhibitors are widely used for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is also quite prevalent in pregnant women, especially during first trimester. Proton pump inhibitor safety during pregnancy is widely discussed for many years. Article published in “New England Journal of Medicine” in 2010 is considered as one of the most important research papers in this topic. The risk of birth defects in children of women using proton pump inhibitors during pregnancy was analysed basing on national medical registries. Authors show that there is no risk increase in comparison to general population, however in the commentary methodological considerations are discussed, allowing for informed results interpretation.