Pharmacogenetics in reproductive and perinatal medicine.

Zarko Alfirevic, Munir Pirmohamed, Ana Alfirevic

Journal: Pharmacogenomics 2010;11(1):65-79

PMID: 20017673

Abstract

The clinical application of pharmacogenetics has been well accepted by some medical specialties, but not all. The aim of this review is to discuss the current use of pharmacogenetics in reproductive and perinatal medicine and to highlight areas where pharmacogenetics may be able to help in the future to predict response to medicines in terms of efficacy and safety. This applies to drugs that are specific to pregnancy and reproduction, as well as drugs prescribed for the treatment of medical disorders in pregnancy. Our review points out the need for well-designed clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of medicines used in women of childbearing age in order to define the additional utility provided by pharmacogenetic testing.

Address: Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, L69 3GE, UK. [email protected]

DOI: 10.2217/pgs.09.153

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MeSH Terms: Betamethasone, Dexamethasone, Female, Fetus, Folic Acid, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Lung, Ovary, Perinatal Care, Pharmacogenetics, Pre-Eclampsia, Pregnancy, Reproductive Medicine, Tocolysis