Is there a correlation between venlafaxine therapy during pregnancy and a higher incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis?

BACKGROUND

Novel antidepressant drugs are increasingly used by women of child bearing age. However, potentially harmful effects on fetus and newborn remain unknown.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

We present preterm twins whose mother was treated with venlafaxine, a nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, throughout pregnancy until delivery. The twins developed neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.

CONCLUSION

The question whether there might be a correlation between maternal serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis is discussed.