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Background. To determine the outcome of cervical ripening with intracervical prostaglandin E 2 (PEG 2 ) in hypertensive and non-hypertensive high-risk pregnancies in terms of successful ripening, mode of delivery, time intercorring between ripening and the beginning of labor or parturition and, at least, duration of labor. Methods. A total of 63 women with a diagnosis of hypertensive disorders were included in the study protocol. These 63 women were compared with 71 consecutive high-risk pregnancies requiring induction of labor for maternal and/or fetal indications. Cervical ripening was performed with single or multiple doses of 0.5 mg of intracervical PGE 2 gel. Results. The rate of successful ripening was 84% for non-hypertensive patients (60/71) and 69% (43/63) for hypertensive patients ( p < 0.03). Twenty-four out of 63 hypertensive patients (38%) and 21 out of 71 non-hypertensive patients (30%) ( p < 0.05) were delivered by cesarean section. After stratification of hypertensive patients, the time in...

Approximately 1% of congenital anomalies relate to pharmacological exposure and are. in theory, preventable. Prevention consists of controlled administration of drugs known to have teratogenic properties (e.g. retinoids, thalidomide). When possible, prevention could take the form of the use of alternative pharmacological therapies during the pre-conception period for certain specific pathologies, selecting the most appropriate agent for use during pregnancy [e.g. haloperidol or a tricyclic antidepressant instead of lithium; anticonvulsant drug monotherapy in place of multitherapy; propylthiouracil instead of thiamazole (methimazole)], and substitution with the most suitable therapy during pregnancy (e.g. insulin in place of oral antidiabetics; heparin in place of oral anticoagulants; alpha-methyldopa instead of ACE inhibitors). Another strategy is the administration of drugs during pregnancy taking into account the pharmacological effects in relation to the gestation period (e.g. avoidance of chemotherapy during the first trimester, avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the third trimester, and avoidance of high doses of benzodiazepines in the period imminent to prepartum).

(1997). Factor V deficiency in pregnancy complicated by Rh immunization and placenta previa. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica: Vol. 76, No. 9, pp. 890-892.

To assess pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a woman accidentally exposed to Verteporfin photodynamic therapy in the third week of pregnancy.Post-conception counselling and prospective follow-up by telephone interview at Telefono Rosso (Teratology Information Service) were carried out. The baby was examined at birth and at 26 months.The outcome of the pregnancy was normal and a healthy female child with a normal birthweight was born. The baby's follow-up was normal at 26 months.This is the first reported case of a childbearing woman being accidentally exposed to Verteporfin during pregnancy. No fetal or neonatal adverse effects were documented.

Defects attributable to drug therapy represent about 1% of congenital defects of known aetiology. This means that a precautionary attitude and correct use of drugs in fertile, and especially pregnant, women is a feasible form of prevention. Drugs currently in use with proven teratogenic effect number approximately 25, but new pharmaceutical drugs are constantly in preparation. Recognition of a drug-induced teratogenic effect is a complex procedure taking into account not only experimental animal data but also experience in humans. Considering that 40% of pregnancies are not planned, it follows that any drug with known or suspected teratogenic potential must be used only under strict medical control. Also, adequate knowledge on potential teratogenicity of a drug permits modification of therapy before conception. It goes without saying that any drug should be used during pregnancy only if it is essential, and it would be prudent to use only those where adequate information is provided and prior clinical experience is available. Teratology Information Services can assist both physicians and patients when any doubt exists.

Purpose To observe pregnancies exposed to latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog administered in the treatment of glaucoma. Its prescription is limited in pregnancy, because reproduction studies in animals report a high incidence of abortion and human investigations are not adequate. As a consequence it is classified as category C drug according to the United States Food and Drug Administration's use-in-pregnancy ratings. Design Observational study. Methods We collected data, referred to our Teratology Information Service, relative to latanoprost exposure in pregnancy. We followed by phone interviews women treated with latanoprost during the first trimester, and we evaluated whether there had been any adverse effects on the fetus. Results Eleven cases of latanoprost exposure in pregnancy were referred to our Teratology Information Service. One case was lost to follow-up, and one case was complicated by miscarriage. Nine cases had a complete follow-up without congenital anomalies. Conclusions Our series is too small to perform statistical significance; however, we found no evidence of adverse effects of latanoprost on pregnancy or neonatal outcomes.

Purpose: To assess pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a woman accidentally exposed to Verteporfin photodynamic therapy in the third week of pregnancy. Methods: Post-conception counselling and prospective follow-up by telephone interview at Telefono Rosso (Teratology Information Service) were carried out. The baby was examined at birth and at 26 months. Results: The outcome of the pregnancy was normal and a healthy female child with a normal birthweight was born. The baby's follow-up was normal at 26 months. Conclusions: This is the first reported case of a childbearing woman being accidentally exposed to Verteporfin during pregnancy. No fetal or neonatal adverse effects were documented.