INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES
The British Thoracic Society (www.brit-thoracic.org.uk), International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (www.iuatld.org) and the World Health Organisation (www.who.int) all support the use of standard first-line drug regimens in pregnant women with tuberculosis. The Centers for Disease Control (USA) (www.cdc.gov) does not specifically endorse the use of pyrazinamide in pregnancy, citing the absence of detailed teratogenicity data, but states that it can probably be used safely during pregnancy. An alternative 9(E)HR regimen is endorsed by the CDC.
FIRST-LINE DRUGS
Isoniazid: (Pregnancy Category A). Recommended for use in pregnancy. As isoniazid may be associated with an increased risk of hepatotoxicity in pregnant women, symptoms should be assessed, and it is recommended by some that liver function tests be performed fortnightly during the first two months of treatment, and monthly thereafter (Bothamley, 2001). Isoniazid given for treatment of latent tuberculosis (chemoprophylaxis) is considered safe, and is recommended especially where the risk of developing disease is higher, such as with HIV coinfection or with a history of recent contact (Bothamley, 2001). Pyridoxine: Pyridoxine supplementation is recommended for all pregnant women taking isoniazid as deficiency is more likely in pregnant women than in the general population (CDC 2003, 62; Bothamley 2001). The Queensland Tuberculosis Control Centre recommends the routine use of pyridoxine in all patients taking isoniazid. Rifampicin: (Pregnancy Category C). Bleeding attributed to hypoprothrominaemia has been reported in infants and mothers following the use of rifampicin in late pregnancy. The use of rifampicin is indicated in pregnant women with tuberculosis, with the recommendation that vitamin K be given to both the mother and the infant postpartum if rifampicin is used in the last few weeks of pregnancy (Bothamley 2001). Ethambutol: (Pregnancy Category A). Recommended for use in pregnancy.
Queensland Tuberculosis Control Centre 26 June 2006
Pyrazinamide: (Pregnancy Category n/a only available on SAS). There are no reports of foetal malformations attributable to pyrazinamide, although there are additionally no animal or epidemiological studies reported to support the safety of this drug in pregnancy. The absence of such safety data is the reason that the CDC (USA) guidelines do not endorse pyrazinamide in pregnancy. Its use is supported by other tuberculosis authorities, including the IUATLD and the BTS. To date, there are no reports of significant adverse events from the use of this drug in the treatment of TB in pregnant women despite the fact that the drug is used as part of the standard regimen in many countries. However, additionally, insufficient data are available about the number of pregnant women treated for TB in these many settings. If the treating doctor elects not to use pyrazinamide, a nine-month regimen containing isoniazid and rifampicin throughout (supplemented by ethambutol until drug susceptibility results are available) is recommended.
Cycloserine (Pregnancy Category n/a only available on SAS). There is no evidence of teratogenicity in rats, but there is insufficient study in humans to confirm the safety of cycloserine in pregnancy. Its use should only be considered where the benefits outweigh the potential risks (MIMS 2003) after discussion with an expert in the clinical management of TB.
Explanation
Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the foetus having been observed Drugs that have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human foetus having been observed. Studies in animals[1] have not shown evidence of an increased occurrence of foetal damage Drugs that have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human foetus having been observed. Studies in animals[1] are inadequate or may be lacking, but available data show no evidence of an increased occurrence of foetal damage Drugs that have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human foetus having been observed. Studies in animals[1] have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of foetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans Drugs that, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused, or may be suspected of causing harmful effects on the human foetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible Drugs that have caused, are suspected to have caused, or may be expected to cause an increased incidence of human foetal malformations, or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects Drugs that have such a high risk of causing permanent damage to the foetus that they should not be used in pregnancy, or when there is a possibility of pregnancy
Category B1
Category B2
Category B3
Category C
Category D
Category X
Note: For drugs in categories B1, B2 and B3, human data are lacking or inadequate and sub-categorisation is therefore based on available animal data. The allocation of a B category does not imply greater safety than the C category. Drugs in category D are not absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy (e.g. anticonvulsants). Moreover, in some cases the D category has been assigned on the basis of `suspicion'. Due to legal considerations in this country, sponsor companies have, in some cases, applied a more restrictive category than can be justified on the basis of available data. In some cases there may be discrepancies between the official product information appearing in MIMS Annual and the information in the Medicines in Pregnancy booklet due to the lead times involved in printing. [1] Animal studies submitted in support of new drug applications must conform to the Australian Guidelines for the Registration of Drugs - Volume 1, Prescription and other specified Drug Products, 2nd Edition.
Queensland Tuberculosis Control Centre 26 June 2006
References: Bothamley G (2001) Drug Treatment for Tuberculosis during Pregnancy: Safety Considerations Drug Safety 24(7):553-65 British Thoracic Society (1998) Chemotherapy and management of tuberculosis in the United Kingdom: recommendations 1998 Thorax 53:536-48 Centers for Disease Control (2003) Treatment of Tuberculosis MMWR 52(RR-11):1-77 Enarson DA, Rieder HL, Arnadottir T and Trbucq A (2000) Management of Tuberculosis: A Guide for Low Income Countries IUATLD, Paris 5th Ed. MIMS Online (2003) accessed electronically via http://ckn.health.qld.gov.au in January 2006. Ormerod P (2001) Tuberculosis in pregnancy and the puerperium Thorax 56:494-9 World Health Organisation (2003) Treatment of Tuberculosis: Guidelines for National Programs WHO, Geneva 3rd Ed
26 June 2006