Hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Álvaro Danza Administración de los Servicios de Salud del Estado, Hospital Pasteur, Clínica Médica. Profesor Adjunto
  • Lilián Díaz Universidad de la República, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital de Clínicas, Cátedra de Hematología. Profesora Titular y Directora
  • Guillermo Ruiz-Irastorza Universidad del País Vasco, Hospital Universitario Cruces, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Autoinmunes
Keywords: HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE, SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, PREGNANCY, BREAST FEEDING

Abstract

Treating patients with systemic autoinmune diseases during pregnancy and breastfeeding may be complex and results in a challenge for professionals responsible for them.
There is evidence about the benefits of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with an adequate margin of safety in patients with this condition.
This update aims to describe effectiveness and safety of HCQ in the treatment of systemic autoinmune diseases during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It has been proved that the use of HCQ during pregnancy reduces systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity, the risk of a lupus flare up, as well as the requirements of glucocorticoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Discontinuing antimalarial treatment during pregnancy is deleterious for both the mother and the fetus.
No tetratogenic effects or retinal harm have been found to be caused by HCQ in the children of mothers exposed to this treatment during such period.
In conclusion, the treatment with HCQ during pregnancy and breastfeeding is effective and has adequate safety margins. Thus, it must continue to be used during this period.

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Published
2015-06-30
How to Cite
1.
Danza Álvaro, Díaz L, Ruiz-Irastorza G. Hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Rev. Méd. Urug. [Internet]. 2015Jun.30 [cited 2024Nov.25];31(2):128-32. Available from: http://www2.rmu.org.uy/ojsrmu311/index.php/rmu/article/view/215
Issue
Vol 31 No 2 (2015): Revista Médica del Uruguay
Section
Review or Update and Updates
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