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Follow-up of infants exposed to hydroxychloroquine given to mothers during pregnancy and lactation.

Motta M, Tincani A, Faden D, Zinzini E, Lojacono A, Marchesi A, Frassi M, Biasini C, Zatti S, Chirico G

Division of Neonatology and NICU (M.M., A.M., G.C.), Spedali Civili - Brescia, Italy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of hydroxychloroquine treatment during pregnancy and lactation on babies of mothers affected by rheumatic diseases. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 40 infants born from mothers affected by rheumatic diseases and treated with hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Main outcome measures at birth were incidence of prematurity, congenital malformations and neonatal infections. Of these babies, including 13 who were breast-fed, 24 were followed up during early infancy for visual function and neurodevelopmental outcome. RESULTS: Preterm delivery was the main complication (20.5%). No significant congenital malformations or neonatal infections were detected. All infants, including those who were breast-fed, had normal visual function and neurodevelopmental outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Hydroxychloroquine treatment during gestation and lactation appeared to be safe. The relatively high incidence of preterm deliveries may reflect the maternal disease state.

Published 20 January 2005 in J Perinatol, 25(2): 86-9.
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