No histologic evidence of foetal cardiotoxicity following exposure to maternal hydroxychloroquine

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2017 Sep-Oct;35(5):857-859. Epub 2017 Jun 6.

Abstract

It is currently recommended that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) be maintained during pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Recent data suggest that this Toll-like receptor inhibitor may also reduce the recurrence rate of anti-SSA/Ro associated congenital heart block (CHB). This case report describes a unique situation in which a CHB-afflicted, HCQ-exposed pregnancy was electively terminated. The heart did not reveal any characteristic features of cardiotoxicity, providing further evidence supporting the safety of foetal exposure to HCQ.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Therapeutic
  • Adult
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Autopsy
  • Cardiotoxicity
  • Female
  • Fetal Heart / drug effects
  • Fetal Heart / pathology
  • Heart Block / congenital*
  • Heart Block / diagnosis
  • Heart Block / drug therapy
  • Heart Block / immunology
  • Heart Block / pathology
  • Heart Diseases / chemically induced
  • Heart Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Hydroxychloroquine

Supplementary concepts

  • Congenital heart block