Obstetrics & gynecology science

Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (대한산부인과학회)
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Isotretinoin exposure in pregnant women in Korea

  • Kim, Nae Ry (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University School of Medicine) ;
  • Yoon, So Ra (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University School of Medicine) ;
  • Choi, June Seek (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University School of Medicine) ;
  • Ahn, Hyun Kyong (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University School of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, So-Young (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ilsin Christian Hospital) ;
  • Hong, Dal Soo (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Miz Women's Hospital) ;
  • Yun, Jeong Sup (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mam's Women's Hospital) ;
  • Hong, Seong Yeon (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Yoon Ha (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chonnam National University Medical School) ;
  • Han, Jung Yeol (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2018.03.01
  • Accepted : 2018.05.30
  • Published : 2018.11.15
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Abstract

Objective Isotretinoin is a notorious teratogen otherwise used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Some countries, including those in North America and the European Union, implemented the pregnancy prevention program (PPP); however, no PPP has yet been established in South Korea. So the aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of pregnant women exposed to isotretinoin among the callers of the Korean Mother Safe Counseling Center. Methods This is a prospective cohort study. We evaluated the demographic characteristics, obstetric history, and isotretinoin exposure of pregnant women based on the mother safe registry from April 2010 to July 2016. Results Among 22,374 callers, 650 (2.9%) pregnant women were exposed to isotretinoin. The mean age was $29.0{\pm}4.4$ years in the isotretinoin-exposed group and $32.0{\pm}4.2$ years in the unexposed group (P<0.001). Moreover, the incidence of pregnancies within 30 days after isotretinoin discontinuation or during isotretinoin intake was 78.9% (513/650). The median duration of isotretinoin exposure was 18 (1-4,231) days. Furthermore, from 2011 to 2015, the incidence of isotretinoin exposure was $2.9{\pm}1.2$ pregnancies per 10,000 births in South Korea. Conclusion Approximately 80% of pregnant women are exposed to isotretinoin within the recommended 30 days of contraception or during pregnancy. Therefore, the PPP has to be established in South Korea.

Keywords

References

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