Short-Term Neonatal Outcome among Term Infants after in utero Exposure to Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Abstract

Background: Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) medications are commonly in use during pregnancy. Objectives: To evaluate short-term neonatal clinical signs among infants exposed to intrauterine SRI medications, in order to estimate the need for postnatal monitoring and observation. Methods: Retrospective review of clinical data in medical files of term infants born to mothers who reported treatment with SRIs during pregnancy. Results: Out of 401 infants in the study group, 165 (41%) were reported to have at least 1 clinical symptom, including respiratory distress, jitteriness, restlessness, feeding difficulties, regurgitations, fever ≥38°C, a short cyanotic event and convulsions. In the symptomatic group, 70% exhibited mild symptoms, among them restlessness, jitteriness or feeding difficulties, while around 30% exhibited significant symptoms. Overall, 12% of the total cohort, mostly males (70%), presented significant clinical symptoms, but none had an urgent or life-threatening condition. Infants in the study group were shorter in length and had a higher rate of Apgar score <7 at 1 min, meconium-stained amniotic fluid and respiratory distress. Conclusions: Despite the high incidence of clinical signs among infants born to SRI-treated mothers, most of their symptoms were mild and self-limited. These infants should be observed while they are close to their mothers on the maternity ward for 48 h after birth.