International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology’s Post

Excited to share our latest research on aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, and its effects during pregnancy. Our study found that aspartame intake could contribute to placental dysfunction and lower birth weight, suggesting potential risks for pregnant individuals. Using both animal and human cohort data, we identified oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function in the placenta as key mechanisms underlying these effects. This publication is the second in a collaborative series with Taipei Medical University focused on maternal health and diet. We hope these findings spark further discussion around the safety of aspartame in different populations, particularly for pregnant individuals. #Aspartame #MaternalHealth

🔥Excellent summary on research in pregnancy in #SLE #lupus 2018-2023 by UK docs Dr. Duhig and Hyrich (Manchester): https://lnkd.in/eGupp7Ny 🫄Brief summary: 👉 Only 25% of SLE pregnancies included low dose aspirin to reduce pre-eclampsia. Appropriate use was seen in 3X more whites than blacks and Asians. COME ON! ... RX low dose aspirin if not contraindicated, and let's stop this ridiculous problem with racial health care disparities! 👉 Consider testing for TPMT and NUDT15 when switching patients from mycophenolate to azathioprine prior to conception. It is not done nearly enough! 👉 #Benlysta belimumab use during pregnancy is associated with lower birth defects, similar live births compared to background population, but be careful of possible transplacental belimumab effects on the newborn baby if given in the 3rd trimester. 👉 Hydroxychloroquine use during pregnancy was associated with reduced cutaneous neonatal lupus. 👉 Fetal heart block patients need close monitoring into adulthood due to the high prevalence of persistent cardiac dysfunction and proactive treatment should be given. 👉 Fetal heart block patients may be at higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases, infections, neuropsychiatric problems, and metabolic disorders. 👉 Men with inflammatory arthritis diagnosed when less than 30 yo were more likely to have infertility. Does this extrapolate to you male lupus patients? (not sure if enough males with lupus were in the study to know for sure). 👉 Methotrexate causes no fertility problems in men taking it during conception. DO NOT STOP MTX! Thanks for the work for this splendid article!

Research has shown a strong connection between periodontal health and the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in newborns. Addressing periodontitis early on can potentially reduce the risk of these pregnancy complications. But, what are the mechanisms behind it? Periodontal disease is a set of polymicrobial diseases that inflame and destroy tooth support structures. It has long been understood that pregnancy enhances gingival inflammation. Periodontitis increases local PGE2 and systemic TNF-alpha. The maternal periodontal infection may impair preterm delivery by inflammatory mediators or direct bacterial attack on the amnion. But, how can we prevent periodontal disease in pregnancy? https://lnkd.in/d4rnP3zZ

Both low and high folate levels during pregnancy linked to increased heart defects in babies https://lnkd.in/ez2Z8TtA

Migraines in pregnancy. As a migraine sufferer I can definitely relate to the pain, photophobia, nausea and vomiting that goes along with each episode. The #FDA just recently approved #Nurtec-- but what about it's use in pregnancy? Shared insights with #SingleCare about that-- so read on! #Migraines #MaternalHealth https://lnkd.in/eA9mrNEg

Both low and high folate levels during pregnancy linked to increased heart defects in babies https://lnkd.in/ez2Z8TtA

Both low and high folate levels during pregnancy linked to increased heart defects in babies https://lnkd.in/ez2Z8TtA

Progesterone helps in changing immunology in pregnancy Inhibits mast cell degranulation Suppresses dendritic cell activation Inhibits natural killer (NK) cell activity Modulates T cell function and differentiation #fertilityplus #infertility #immunefactor #progesterone

Prenatal #genetic tests help you find out about genetic disorders that could affect your pregnancy. To learn how and when the different types of tests happen and what the results may mean, watch our full video: https://bit.ly/3IvaYJw #MedicalGeneticsAwareness

We recently sponsored a study spelling out recommendations for prenatal care for patients with sickle cell disease. And as lead author Dr. Deva Sharma notes, “Our Delphi panel identified interesting areas of consensus and nonconsensus” regarding “the application of automated red cell exchange transfusions for the prevention of maternal complications during pregnancy.” Per Dr. Sharma, areas of consensus on this topic include: * “Routine prophylactic transfusions” should be used “for the prevention of frequent acute pain episodes” * “Pregnant individuals with sickle cell disease who had a prior stroke should have continuation of transfusion therapy during their pregnancy” * “Women who experience end organ injury unrelated to stroke should also have strong consideration for prophylactic transfusion therapies during pregnancy” Hear further details from Dr. Sharma on the study’s findings: https://lnkd.in/gDRVgEnu