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Follow-Up of Infants Exposed to Hydroxychloroquine Given to Mothers during Pregnancy and Lactation

Journal of Perinatology volume 25, pages 86–89 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neonatology and NICU, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy

    Mario Motta MD, Alessandra Marchesi MD & Gaetano Chirico MD

  2. Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy

    Angela Tincani MD, Micol Frassi MD & Chiara Biasini MD

  3. Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy

    David Faden MD, Andrea Lojacono MD & Sonia Zatti MD

  4. Division of Ophthalmology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy

    Enrica Zinzini MD

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  1. Mario Motta MD
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Motta, M., Tincani, A., Faden, D. et al. Follow-Up of Infants Exposed to Hydroxychloroquine Given to Mothers during Pregnancy and Lactation. J Perinatol 25, 86–89 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211208

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