Does SSRI Use During Pregnancy Increase the Risk for PPHN?

Yes, though perhaps more modestly than previously suggested.

Neonatal persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) presents as critical hypoxemia during the first few days of life and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and expense. Some population-based studies suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use increases the risk for PPHN, though other studies have been unable to confirm this association.

To investigate this issue further, researchers analyzed data from a linked cohort of pregnant women and infants enrolled in Medicaid between 2000 and 2010 in 46 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Of 3,789,330 women, 128,950 (3.4%) used an antidepressant during the 90 days before delivery, including 102,179 (2.7%) who used SSRIs and 26,771 (0.7%) who used non-SSRI anti…

Reviewing Author

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Does SSRI Use During Pregnancy Increase the Risk for PPHN?

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Reviewing Author