Gadolinium periconceptional exposure: pregnancy and neonatal outcome

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2007;86(1):99-101. doi: 10.1080/00016340600804639.

Abstract

Background: Gadolinium derivatives are ionic paramagnetic contrast agents used to enhance magnetic resonance images, labeled as a pregnancy category C by the Food and Drug Administration because of a lack of epidemiological studies concerning first-trimester exposure.

Methods: Prospective cohort study to determine whether gadolinium derivatives exposure in periconceptional period is a risk factor for pregnancy or fetal development.

Results: We report the outcome of 26 pregnant women exposed to gadolinium derivatives in the first trimester without adverse effect on pregnancy and neonatal outcome.

Conclusions: Currently, this study represents the only prospective investigation of gadolinium derivatives in pregnancy, but more data are necessary to exclude a teratogenic risk.

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / epidemiology*
  • Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / etiology
  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Contrast Media / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Gadolinium / toxicity*
  • Gadolinium DTPA / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / adverse effects
  • Maternal Exposure / adverse effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Prospective Studies
  • Teratogens / toxicity*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Teratogens
  • Gadolinium
  • Gadolinium DTPA