Category: Obs & Gynae

MHRA: Ondansetron small increased risk of oral clefts following use in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy

MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)  has recently published a warning regarding the use of ondasetron in early pregnancy.leading to a small but significant risk of cleft lip. – LINK HERE

“Recent epidemiological studies report a small increased risk of orofacial malformations in babies born to women who used ondansetron in early pregnancy.1 4 Key evidence was an observational study of 1.8 million pregnancies in the USA of which 88,467 (4.9%) were exposed to oral ondansetron during the first trimester of pregnancy. The study reported that ondansetron use was associated with an additional 3 oral clefts per 10,000 births (14 cases per 10,000 births versus 11 cases per 10,000 births in the unexposed population).1 These data were recently reviewed within Europe and considered to be robust.”

Patients with vomiting in early pregnancy requiring antiemetics you can review the guidance on “Hyperemesis Gravidarum”

Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy

Unfortunately the the normal pathway for investigation of PE performs poorly in pregnancy RCOG have the following pathway

1. Investigation – of suspected PE

  • Clinical assessment – its all on the history and exam scoring doesn’t work
  • Perform the following tests:
    • CXR – sheilding can protect the baby and may avoid further radiation
    • ECG
    • Bloods: FBC, U&E, LFTs, Clotting
  • Commence Tinzaparin (unless treatment is contraindicated – use booking weight to calculate dose) –[BNF]

 

Transfusion Care Pathway

PDF: Transfusion Care Pathway

When giving blood products you need to use the transfusion care pathway.

It can be found on intranet > Policies & Documents Library >Other Systems [green button] > Clinical records repository > Search [title And transfusion] – its only 9 clicks away (and some writing)