Sertraline use in the first trimester and risk of congenital anomalies: a systemic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

AimTo perform a meta-analysis of available cohort studies on the association between sertraline use by pregnant women in the first trimester and the findings of congenital anomalies in infants. MethodsA comprehensive search of articles published from the index date up to 31(st) December 2015 investigating the aforementioned associations was conducted on PubMed and Web of Science. Mesh headings used included the terms serotonin reuptake inhibitor, sertraline, congenital anomalies and obstetrical outcome. ResultsTwelve cohort studies that involved 6 468 241 pregnant women were identified. We summarized odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of congenital anomalies using the random-effects model. Pregnant women who used sertraline in the first trimester had a statistically significant increased risk of infant cardiovascular-related malformations (OR=1.36; 95% CI=1.06-1.74; I-2=64.4%; n=12) as well as atrial and/or ventricular septal defects (OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.06-1.76; I-2=62.2%; n=8). Additionally, positive but nonsignificant associations between sertraline use and congenital anomalies of the nervous system (OR=1.39; 95% CI=0.83-2.32; I-2=0%; n=5), digestive system (OR=1.23; 95% CI=0.76-1.98; I-2=0%; n=5), eye, ear, face and neck (OR=1.08; 95% CI=0.33-3.55; I-2=32.1%; n=3), urogenital system (OR=1.03; 95% CI=0.73-1.46; I-2=0%; n=5), and musculoskeletal system (OR=0.97; 95% CI=0.69-1.36; I-2=0%; n=5) were observed. ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggested that the use of sertraline use by pregnant women in the first trimester had an increased risk of cardiovascular-related malformations as well as atrial and/or ventricular septal defects in infants. Meanwhile, nonsignificant associations between sertraline use and other congenital anomalies were found. More cohort studies are warranted to provide detailed results of other congenital anomalies.