Baris Karadas1,2, Nusret Uysal1,2, Hilal Erol3, Selin Acar1,2, Meltem Koc4, Tijen Kaya-Temiz1,2, Gideon Koren5,6, Yusuf C Kaplan7. 1. Training and Research Center, Terafar - Izmir Katip Celebi University Teratology Information, Izmir, Turkey. 2. Department of Pharmacology, Izmir Katip Celebi University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. 3. Department of Pharmacology, Izmir Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. 4. Department of Family Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. 5. Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Israel. 6. Motherisk International Program, Shamir Hospital, Israel. 7. Faculty of Medicine, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir, Turkey.
Abstract
AIMS: The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether maternal exposure to statins is associated with increased rates of major congenital malformations and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Reprotox® databases were searched. Cohort and case control studies with prenatal exposure to statins were included. RESULTS: Analysis of five cohort studies and one case-control study showed no significant increase in rate of major congenital malformations when the exposed group was compared with the control ([OR 1.27; 95% CI 0.80-2.04], [aOR 1.05; 95% CI 0.84-1.31]). A significant increase in heart defect risk was detected in the statin-exposed group when unadjusted ORs were combined (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.36-4.49). Further analysis of the same outcome by using adjusted ORs showed no significant increase in heart defect risk in the statin-exposed group compared with the controls (aOR 1.24; 95% CI 0.93-1.66). A significantly lower live birth rate (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.49-0.75) and a higher spontaneous abortion rate (OR 1.36; 95% Cl 1.06-1.75) were detected in the statin-exposed group. CONCLUSIONS: Gestational statin exposure was not associated with a significant increase in risk of major congenital malformations, heart defects and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, except spontaneous abortion and live birth rate, which may be associated with maternal comorbidity and other unadjusted risk factors. Further research focusing on particular statins is needed to draw more definitive conclusions.
AIMS: The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether maternal exposure to statins is associated with increased rates of major congenital malformations and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Reprotox® databases were searched. Cohort and case control studies with prenatal exposure to statins were included. RESULTS: Analysis of five cohort studies and one case-control study showed no significant increase in rate of major congenital malformations when the exposed group was compared with the control ([OR 1.27; 95% CI 0.80-2.04], [aOR 1.05; 95% CI 0.84-1.31]). A significant increase in heart defect risk was detected in the statin-exposed group when unadjusted ORs were combined (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.36-4.49). Further analysis of the same outcome by using adjusted ORs showed no significant increase in heart defect risk in the statin-exposed group compared with the controls (aOR 1.24; 95% CI 0.93-1.66). A significantly lower live birth rate (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.49-0.75) and a higher spontaneous abortion rate (OR 1.36; 95% Cl 1.06-1.75) were detected in the statin-exposed group. CONCLUSIONS: Gestational statin exposure was not associated with a significant increase in risk of major congenital malformations, heart defects and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, except spontaneous abortion and live birth rate, which may be associated with maternal comorbidity and other unadjusted risk factors. Further research focusing on particular statins is needed to draw more definitive conclusions.