Objective: Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (ARA). Interacted with the renin-angiotensin system, and the present study was undertaken to examine their fetal and neonatal toxicity when taken by the mother during pregnancy.
Design: Prospective follow up of pregnant women exposed to an ARA during early pregnancy.
Setting: The present study was conducted in the departments of Paedriatric Pharmacology of the University hospital Robert Debre in Paris, France.
Population: Ten women exposed to an ARA during early pregnancy.
Methods: Prospective follow up.
Main outcome measure: Fetal ultrasonography and outcome of pregnancy.
Results: Prenatal ultrasonography showed abnormal features in five cases (oligoamnios related to fetal tabular dysgenesis, fetal dysmorphia and renal abnormalities). Outcome of pregnancy was as follows: three induced abortions, two stillbirths (twin pregnancy), one neonate presenting with dysmorphia and renal disease and five neonates with an uneventful development.
Conclusion: Women of reproductive age should be advised of the possible hazards of ARA and treatment should be stopped as soon as pregnany has been documented.