Use of medication during pregnancy and risk of childhood leukemia (Canada)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) associated with maternal use of medications during pregnancy; in particular medications known or suspected to be teratogenic. Methods: Seven hundred and eighty nine children (Results: Risk of childhood ALL was significantly increased in the offspring of mothers who reported using any medication (adjusted odds ratio (OR _a dj)=1.3, 95 CI=1.0–1.6) or any teratogenic medication (OR _a dj=1.4, 95 CI=1.1–1.9) during pregnancy. Among specific medication categories, only central nervous system depressants were associated with a significantly increased risk, although elevated odd ratios were found for anti-epileptics, immunosuppressants, oral contraceptives, and illicit drugs. Risk associated with use of teratogenic medications was higher with increased dose and in children diagnosed before two years of age. Conclusion: A modest increase in risk of ALL was found among children of mothers who used medication during pregnancy.