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INTRODUCTION
During pregnancy, non-obstetric causes of pain are very common and can be disabling if not properly treated. A recent study, with a cohort of over 500,000 pregnant women in the United States, found that 14% received an opioid prescription at least once during the delivery period, and 6% received opioids throughout all quarters1.
During pregnancy, many anatomical and physiological changes take place in the body. These changes can precipitate pain, which, in some cases, can lead to disability. In addition, pregnancy can boost pre-existing painful conditions. Pain conditions during pregnancy can be bracketed in a system-based classification, such as musculoskeletal, rheumatological, neuropathic, and pelvic-abdominal pain syndromes2.
Choosing to prescribe a drug to a pregnant woman is difficult. The changes in the body of a pregnant woman influence the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs, and may change the expected response. Also, it should be considered the risks and benefits for both the mother and the child when using the drug, considering the risks of not treating properly the disease during pregnancy and lactation. Risk assessment can focus not only on structural malformations (teratogenicity), but also on functional changes, changes in gestational dynamics (changes in fetal weight, abortion, prematurity, and neonatal death), and postpartum complications3-5.
The goal of this research was to discuss the pharmacological treatment of pain during pregnancy, focusing on drug classification and usage in pregnancy, therapy options, teratogenicity, increase in fetal malformations, and gestational complications associated with therapy use.
CONTENTS
Descriptive summary of available evidence on pharmacological approaches to pain management during pregnancy. It was conducted a search on the medical literature at Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Ovid, and Google, using the terms “pain management”, “pregnancy pain”, “obstetric pain”, “opioid use”, “antiepileptic drug pregnancy” and “antidepressant pregnancy” in articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish, in the last 20 years or older, when relevant. The most relevant articles on the topic were selected and included in the paper.
DRUG CLASSIFICATION FOR USE IN PREGNANCY
In order to avoid the administration of drugs with potential risk and to facilitate their prescription during pregnancy, several classification systems based on animal and human data have been developed. Drug use risk classification systems in pregnant women in the United States (US Food and Drug Administration - FDA) (Table 1), the Swedish (Farmaceutiska Specialiteter i Sverige - FASS) and the Australian (Australian Drug Evaluation Committee - ADEC) (Table 2) , shared as a characteristic the categorization of drugs into letters.
Table 1 Pharmacological risk categories in pregnancy according to the Food and Drug Administration
| Categories | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| A | Controlled studies show absent risk. Appropriate well-controlled studies in pregnant women show no risk to the fetus. |
| B | No evidence of risk in humans. Findings in animals had shown risk, but not in humans, or if adequate studies with humans have not been conducted, and the findings in animals were negative. |
| C | Risk cannot be excluded. There are no positive studies for fetal risk in humans and animals or no studies at all. However, the potential benefits justify the potential risk. |
| D | Positive evidence of risk. Data of Investigation or aftermarket release show risk to the fetus. Even though, the potential benefits may outweigh the risk. |
| X | Contraindicated in pregnancy. Animal and human studies, or reports on research or aftermarket release, have shown a fetal risk that is greater than the potential benefits. |
Adapted from IV Brazilian Guidelines for Asthma Management6.
Table 2 Pharmacological risk categories in pregnancy according to the criteria of the Pharmaceutiska Specialiteter i Sverige and Australian Drug Evaluation Committee 7
| Categories | Farmaceutiska Specialiteter i Sverige | Australian Drug Evaluation Committee |
|---|---|---|
| A | Drugs used by many pregnant women without evidence of fetal damage. | Drugs used by many pregnant women without evidence of fetal damage. |
| B | Data in humans are insufficient and limited; classification is based on animal data (by allocation in one of three subgroups B1, B2 or B3). | Data in humans are insufficient and limited; classification was based on animal data (by allocation in one of three subgroups B1, B2 or B3). |
| B1 | Experiments in animals did not provide evidence of an increased incidence of fetal damage. | Experiments in animals did not provide evidence of an increased incidence of fetal damage. |
| B2 | Studies in animals are insufficient. | Studies in animals are insufficient. |
| B3 | Studies in animals have shown evidence of increased incidence of fetal damage, but the significance in humans is uncertain. | Studies in animals have shown evidence of increased incidence of fetal damage, but the significance in humans is uncertain. |
| C | Drugs that, due to their pharmacological effects, have caused or are suspected of having caused reproductive disorders that may involve risks to the fetus, not being directly teratogenic | Drugs that have caused or may be suspected of causing harmful effects on the human or newborn fetus without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. |
| D | Animal and/or human data indicate an increased incidence of fetal malformations or other permanent damages in humans. | The drugs have caused, are suspected of having caused, or can be expected to cause an increased incidence of human fetal malformations or irreversible damages. |
| X | Does not apply | Drugs that have such a high risk of permanent fetal damage that they must not be used during pregnancy. |
The US system classifies drugs as A when adequate controlled studies in pregnant women showed no risk to the fetus. The Australian and Swedish systems do not use controlled studies as a prerequisite to classify a drug as A, and they stratify category B (drugs used by a limited number of pregnant women) as B1, B2, and B3, based on animal data. In the Swedish classification, there is no category X.
However, these systems have been criticized due to: a) categorization in letters is considered too simplistic and does not adequately express adverse effects on the fetus; b) the categorization in letters gives the false impression that risks increase from A to X and that drugs in the same category present the same risk or potential for adverse effects; c) the categories do not discriminate between potential adverse effects based on severity, incidence or type of effect; d) dose, duration, frequency, route and gestational age for drug exposure are not taken into account7.
In order to facilitate the prescribing process by providing a consistent and well-structured set of information on drug use during pregnancy and lactation, the FDA has published the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR), on December 2014, along with Pregnancy, Lactation, and Reproductive Potential: Labeling for Human Prescription Drug and Biological Products - Content and Format. An industry-oriented document that came into force in July 2015 (Table 3)8,9. They reformulate the contents and format of the package inserts by removing references to categories A, B, C, D, and X, replacing by a summary of perinatal drug risks, discussion of relevant evidence, and a synthesis of the most relevant data to decide for the drug prescription. Essential information on pregnancy identification, contraception, and infertility is also included. The information is divided into the subsections “Pregnancy,” “Lactation” and “Reproductive Potential of Men and Women”10.
Table 3 New Food and Drug Administration Standards for the Use of Drugs in Pregnancy, Subsection "Pregnancy"8,9
| Pregnancy exposure record | If a pregnancy exposure record is available, this subsection should contain a statement of the existence of the record as well as contact information. |
|---|---|
| Risk summary | When drug use is contraindicated, this should be stated first. Risk statements shall be presented in the following order: Based on human data, based on animal data, based on pharmacology Human data are available: the risk summary should summarize the specific development of the outcome, its incidence, and the effects of dose, duration of exposure, and gestational exposure time. Animal data are available: labeling should summarize the findings in animals and describe the potential risk of any adverse outcome in humans. Affected species, time, dose, and results should be included. When the drug has a well-understood mechanism of action that may result in the adverse outcome(s) to the development associated with the drug, the risk summary should explain the mechanism of action and potential risks. |
| Clinical considerations | Requires titles, as relevant information is available, to: · Maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk associated with the disease · Dose adjustments during pregnancy and the postpartum period · Maternal adverse reactions · Fetal/neonatal adverse reactions · Labor |
| Data | . Human data: Labeling should describe adverse outcomes of development, adverse reactions, and other adverse effects and the types of studies or reports, number of individuals and duration of each study, exposure information, and limitation of data. . Animal data: labeling should describe study types, animal species, dose, duration and timing of exposure, presence or absence of maternal toxicity, and limitation of data. |
On the other hand, abandoning category-based classifications requires that the professional reviews the available evidence. Thus, if the review is incomplete or the evidence is inconclusive, the risk of errors increases. Therefore, it is prudent that before prescribing a drug to pregnant or breastfeeding women, to conduct research on different platforms and measure the risks and benefits of the treatment.
NON-OPIOIDS ANALGESICS
Paracetamol
It is the most used analgesic and antipyretic during pregnancy and lactation. However, its use before birth has been associated with asthma, shorter anogenital distance in boys (predictor of low reproductive potential), autistic spectrum, neurological problems (motor development, communication), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral changes, allergic diseases, among others. Nevertheless, studies are inconclusive, and paracetamol is considered a drug with no teratogenic effects and remains the safest analgesic during pregnancy and lactation11.
Prenatal exposure to paracetamol may be related to the consequences of women’s reproductive health as a result of changes in ovarian development during intrauterine life12. Concerning maternal complications, the use of paracetamol may be related to the increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary thromboembolism13.
As studies are inconclusive and there is extensive experience in the use of the drug during pregnancy, paracetamol remains the analgesic of choice during pregnancy, and the lowest dose should be used for the shortest possible time. Paracetamol has classification B by the FDA.
Dipyrone
Although this drug has been withdrawn from the market in some countries, such as the United States, because of its association with agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia, it is still being used in parts of Europe, Asia, and South American countries, such as Brazil. Its use during pregnancy is not associated with congenital malformations, intrauterine death, premature birth, or low birth weight14.
Although widely used in Brazil, two studies have shown a possible association between dipyrone use and childhood tumors: Wilms tumor and Leukemia15,16. On the other hand, in in vitro studies in animals, dipyrone showed little mutagenic or carcinogenic potential and only when administered in high doses17,18.
Dipyrone is not directly related to major or minor fetal malformations, but its use should be limited to the lowest possible dose and shortest possible time19.
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
Its use was limited to its analgesic properties during pregnancy. However, the prescription in this population has been increasing in recent years. ASA does not increase the incidence of miscarriages or intrauterine death, nor does it have teratogenic effects20.
ASA has been used to treat and prevent pre-eclampsia, especially in high-risk patients, women with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and a history of recurrent miscarriage (associated or not with heparin), and patients who underwent to in vitro fertilization20. When used in patients at high risk for developing pre-eclampsia, ASA reduces the incidence of premature birth by 14% and restricted intrauterine growth by 20%, probably because of its action by reducing placental ischemia21,22. ASA interferes with platelet function and may cause maternal or fetal bleeding23. However, when used at low doses, it has not shown a significant effect on the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and neonatal bleeding24.
Low-dose ASA (60-150mg/day), when used in the first quarter, is not associated with an increased incidence of congenital malformations, postpartum bleeding, placental rupture, or adverse effects on anesthesia. When used in the third quarter, it was not associated with an increased incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal hemorrhage, or premature closure of the arterial duct25.
When used at low doses, ASA is safe and has positive effects on reproduction. Low-dose aspirin has classification C by the FDA, but doses above 150mg per day are considered class D.
NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used classes of drugs during pregnancy, whether derived from propionic acid (naproxen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen), phenylacetic acid (diclofenac sodium), salicylates (acetylsalicylic acid), oxicans (meloxicam, piroxicam) or indole (indomethacin). Their mechanism of action is the inhibition of prostaglandin production by direct inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. Regarding non-selective COX inhibitors, it is not clear if there is an association between their use and the increased incidence of miscarriage when used in the first trimester or near conception26-28.
On the other hand, a study with more than 65,000 women showed that the use of NSAIDs is not an independent risk factor for abortion29. Studies in humans suggest an association between NSAIDs use and reduced female fertility, and it is prudent to avoid its use in women trying to conceive30. Regarding congenital malformations, the situation of NSAIDs is more complex. In most studies, the risk for any malformation does not increase significantly with its use but maybe increased under some conditions, notably heart defects31. On the other hand, a study that specifically assessed the risk of interventricular septal defects found no association32.
The use of NSAIDs in the third trimester of pregnancy may be associated, in the fetus, with the premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (which may lead to neonatal pulmonary hypertension), oligohydramnios (caused by reduced fetal urinary output), necrotizing enterocolitis and intracranial hemorrhage. In the mother, it may be related to prolonged labor period and postpartum hemorrhage33. Although short-term administration is unlikely to be associated with fetal arterial duct closure, it is common practice to avoid NSAIDs after 28 to 32 weeks until the end of pregnancy34.
Regarding selective COX-2 inhibitors, it was expected to have fewer adverse effects than non-selective ones, but the same problems are present, such as oligohydramnios and premature closure of the arterial duct35. As there are few studies on the use of this class of drugs during pregnancy, they are considered class C until the second trimester, and D in the third trimester. Non-selective anti-inflammatory have FDA classification B up to the second trimester, and classification D in the third7.
OPIOID ANALGESICS
Opioids are important drugs in the treatment of acute pain during pregnancy, especially when associated with NSAIDs. However, for chronic pain, the risks and benefits of its use should be discussed with the woman, and the guidelines of the American Pain Society recommend minimal use or no use if possible36.
Opioid use during the first trimester has been associated in some studies with cardiac abnormalities, spina bifida, and gastroschisis37,38, while others, to demonstrate these associations have failed to relate any malformations to opioid use39,40.
Opioids do not seem to have an important teratogenic effect, but there are doubts about cardiovascular defects, especially with synthetic opioids41.
Codeine
In a study with 67,982 pregnant women, it was observed that codeine was used in 2,666 (3.9%) of the cases. No differences in fetal survival rate or incidence of malformations were observed between pregnant women who used or not codeine. On the other hand, its use was associated with a higher incidence of elective and emergency cesarean and postpartum hemorrhage when used at the end of pregnancy. However, these changes may be due to the underlying disease rather than drug use39. It is considered Class C by the FDA and Class A by ADEC.
Tramadol
In a study that evaluated 1,682,846 pregnant women, it was observed that 1,751 used tramadol at the beginning of pregnancy, with 96 newborns presenting congenital malformation, of which 70 were severe (OR 1.33 CI 95% 1.05-1.70). Among the malformations observed are cardiovascular defects (OR 1.56 CI 95% 1.04-2.29) and clubfoot (OR 3.63 CI 95% 1.61-6.89)40. In more advanced stages of pregnancy, it does not appear to cause major fetal effects, unless used chronically, and may lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). There is no evidence of alterations when used during lactation42. It is considered Class C by the FDA and by ADEC.
Morphine
When used in the first trimester, there are no reports of malformations and must be used with caution. During pregnancy, morphine changes its pharmacokinetics, with increased plasma clearance, shortening of half-life, decreased distribution volume, and increased formation of the 3-glucuronide metabolite. Morphine and its metabolite rapidly cross the placenta and establish maternal-fetal balance within approximately 5 minutes. Newborns exposed to shorter half-life opioids, such as morphine, are more likely to have SAN2,43. It is Class B by the FDA and C by the ADEC.
Fentanyl
The use of fentanyl during pregnancy and lactation, when used as transdermal, may be a good option for the treatment of chronic pain. In a case report of a pregnant woman who used the fentanyl patch (125µg/h) throughout pregnancy, it was observed that the newborn had mild symptoms of NAS and did not require pharmacological treatment44. On the other hand, in another report of a pregnant woman who used the fentanyl patch (100µg/h), the newborn had prolonged NAS, requiring oral morphine treatment until the 29th day of life. These differences may be due to individual drug variation45. It is Class C by the FDA and ADEC.
Methadone and buprenorphine
Both are safe when used to treat opioid dependence during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure does not seem to alter physical, cognitive, and language development in children followed up to the 36th month of life46. It is Class C by the FDA and ADEC.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)
Use during pregnancy at therapeutic doses does not appear to be associated with an increased incidence of malformations. Chronic use, or the use of high doses near delivery, may cause NAS, and the dose must be reduced between 3 and 4 weeks before delivery47. Although some studies relate the use of TCA with malformations (eye, ear, face, and digestive system)48, it is noteworthy that despite slight increases in the incidence of malformations described in some studies, most do not show any increase. Due to a large number of pregnant women who used amitriptyline without reporting toxic effects on the fetus, its use seems safe during pregnancy49. Amitriptyline is Class C by the FDA and ADEC; nortriptyline is Class C by the ADEC and D by the FDA.
Tetracyclic antidepressants
Maprotiline is the most studied drug, and its use is considered safe during pregnancy50. It is Class B by the FDA.
Selective serotonin and norepinephrine uptake inhibitors
One population study did not show teratogenic effects related to venlafaxine use51. It is Class C by the FDA and B2 by the ADEC. In general, the use of duloxetine during pregnancy is associated with an increased incidence of miscarriage, but no malformations. Near delivery, it can lead to respiratory changes in the newborn, and during lactation, less than 1% of the drug passes to the milk, suggesting that it may be compatible with lactation. On the other hand, there are few studies to ensure its safety during pregnancy and lactation52. It is Class C by the FDA and B3 by the ADEC.
MUSCLE RELAXANTS
Baclofen
When taken orally, it is related to fetal malformations such as omphalocele. When used by intrathecal route, it seems to have no harmful effects on the fetus and has a low concentration in breast milk53. It is Class B3 by the ADEC.
Cyclobenzaprine
It is considered safe during pregnancy and is one of the most commonly used analgesics for the treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain. Despite a report of early closure of the ductus arteriosus, this drug is already widely used in pregnant women54. It is Class B by the FDA. During lactation, about 50% of the drug passes to breast milk.
ANTICONVULSANTS
Anticonvulsants should be used with caution during pregnancy because of the risk of major (cardiac, urogenital, central nervous system, craniofacial) and minor malformations, restricted intrauterine growth, and cognitive deficits. In addition, monotherapy and the lowest effective dose should be prioritized55.
Gabapentin
There are only a few reports of pregnant women who used gabapentin, with no evidence of increased incidence of malformations56. May be related to increased risk of fetal loss, restricted intrauterine growth, and premature birth57. It is Class C by the FDA and B3 by the ADEC.
Pregabalin
In a study evaluating 477 pregnant women who used pregabalin in the first trimester, RR 1.33 (CI 95% 0.83-2.15) was found for major congenital malformations, but when used in monotherapy, RR was 1.02 (CI 95% 0.69-1.51). Thus, when used in monotherapy, it does not seem to increase the incidence of congenital malformations58. It is Class C by the FDA and B3 by the ADEC.
Carbamazepine
It is associated with an increased incidence of malformations between 1 and 8.7%, especially when doses above 1000mg per day are used56. It is Class C by the FDA and B3 by the ADEC.
Lamotrigine
It does not seem to increase the incidence of malformations. When used at doses below 300mg per day, the incidence of malformations is about 2.0%; above this dose it can reach 4.5%56. It is Class C by the FDA and D by the ADEC.
CONCLUSION
The increased use of opioid or nonopioid analgesics by pregnant women may raise doubts about the appropriate treatment options to offer to this population. Evaluation and effective handling are limited by contraindications and risks to the fetus.
The decision to use pharmacological therapy should be based on an assessment of the risks and benefits to the mother and fetus, taking care to offer all therapeutic options to ensure the well-being of the pregnant woman, minimize fetal teratogenicity and avoid chronic symptoms and long-term disability.
Understanding the most frequent painful complaints, accurate diagnosis, knowledge of the risks of analgesic for the maternal-fetal unit, and consultations with experts allow you to control unwanted symptoms and make pregnancy more enjoyable.
