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SSRIs associated with increased risk of low Apgar scores

Researchers found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were associated with a risk of Apgar scores less than 7, according to data presented at the Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Stephanie L. Bakaysa , MD, MPH, from Tufts Medical Center, Boston, and colleagues noted that low Apgar scores are associated with cognitive impairment.

They conducted a retrospective matched cohort study of 112 SSRI users and 224 controls who delivered at a tertiary care center between 2009 and 2014.

In the group of SSRI users, women reported taking paroxetine (n=2), escitalopram (n=4), citalopram (n=23), fluoxetine (n=34) and sertraline (n=49).

Results showed that infants whose mothers had taken SSRIs had higher rates of low Apgar scores at 1 minute (OR = 2; 95% CI, 1.1-3.5; P = .02) and 5 minutes (OR = 8.8; 95% CI, 2.4-32.; P = .0009). In addition, the number of Apgar scores less than 7 was higher in the SSRI group at 1 minute (24% vs 14%, P = .02) and 5 minutes (11% vs 1%, P = .0002).

"SSRIs are associated with an increased risk of Apgar scores < 7 at 1 and 5 minutes, with an almost 9-fold increased risk of 5 minute Apgar < 7," the researchers concluded. "Apgar scores < 7 have previously been associated with future cognitive impairment. Further investigation into the impact of SSRI exposure is essential." – by Chelsea Frajerman Pardes

Reference:

Bakaysa SL, et al. Does SSRI antidepressant use influence Apgar scores? Presented at: Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; May 14-17, 2016; Washington, D.C.

Disclosures: Bakaysa reported no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full abstract for a complete list of all other authors' relevant financial disclosures.