Asthma Medications Linked to Birth Defects

Some asthma medications could possibly lead to an increased risk of certain birth defects, as shown in a mid-January article in the medical journal Pediatrics. According to Medscape News Today, use of prescription asthma medication while pregnant may lead to an increased risk of birth defects like esophageal atresia, anorectal atresia, and omphalocele. The recent study was conducted by researchers at the New York State Department of Health in Troy. Medications studied included both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Exposure to asthma medication during pregnancy was defined as ranging from one month prior to conception to the third month of pregnancy.

These birth defects represent an increased risk of complications like partial esophageal development, blocked opening of the anus, and organs like the intestines protruding from the belly button, respectively. The researchers concluded that around 60% to 67% of mothers of infants with esophageal atresia, anorectal atresia, and omphalocele used bronchodilators during their entire pregnancy. It was noted by the researchers that the birth defects observed could also possibly be a result of the asthma condition itself, not necessarily the medication.

The study utilized data taken from the National Birth Defects Prevention study, which analyzed 2,853 infants with birth defects and 6,726 infants without birth defects. The study spans 10 states, is still outgoing, and includes babies with birth defects of diaphragmatic hernia, esophageal atresia, small intestinal atresia, anorectal atresia, neural tube defects, omphalocele, or limb deficiencies. Exposure to asthma medication during pregnancy was defined as ranging from one month prior to conception to the third month of pregnancy.

Though the risks associated with these specific birth defects are serious, the complications of asthma are also real and daunting. Experts recommend speaking to your doctor about your medications and possible complications with pregnancy. If you or a loved one took periconceptional asthma medication while pregnant and birthed a child with a birth defect like the ones mentioned, you may be able to seek legal recourse. Find out if might be able to seek compensation for the possible dangerous birth defects associated with asthma medication use by completing the form on the right.