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Singh M, Qualie J, Currie A, et al. Is breastfeeding safe with azathioprine?. Obstet Med. 2011;4(3):104-7doi: 10.1258/om.2011.110013.
Singh, M., Qualie, J., Currie, A., Howarth, E. S., & Khare, M. M. (2011). Is breastfeeding safe with azathioprine?. Obstetric medicine, 4(3), 104-7. https://doi.org/10.1258/om.2011.110013
Singh, Mandeep, et al. "Is breastfeeding safe with azathioprine?." Obstetric medicine vol. 4,3 (2011): 104-7. doi: https://doi.org/10.1258/om.2011.110013
Singh M, Qualie J, Currie A, Howarth ES, Khare MM. Is breastfeeding safe with azathioprine?. Obstet Med. 2011 Sep;4(3):104-7. doi: 10.1258/om.2011.110013. Epub 2011 Aug 23. PMID: 27579102; PMCID: PMC4989605.
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Obstet Med. 2011 Sep;4(3):104-7. doi: 10.1258/om.2011.110013. Epub 2011 Aug 23.

Is breastfeeding safe with azathioprine?.

Obstetric medicine

Mandeep Singh, Jan Qualie, Andrew Currie, Edmund S Howarth, Manjiri M Khare

Affiliations

  1. Women's and Perinatal Services, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospital Leicester, Leicester , UK.

PMID: 27579102 PMCID: PMC4989605 DOI: 10.1258/om.2011.110013

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Azathioprine is commonly used as an immunosuppressant during pregnancy in the management of various conditions such as connective tissue disorders, inflammatory bowel disease and pregnant women with organ transplant. Continuation of azathioprine through pregnancy and postpartum is vital for maternal reasons. However, there is limited evidence regarding safety of use of azathioprine with breastfeeding.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We report an observational case series of 10 mother-baby pairs managed at a tertiary teaching hospital. Mothers on azathioprine who were keen to breastfeed were counselled antenatally regarding limited short-term and long-term safety data for the babies. Mothers participating in this study completed a questionnaire at every visit. At follow-up visits, babies were examined by a neonatologist for clinical signs of infection and checked for adverse effects on haematological profile.

CONCLUSION: There was no clinically significant adverse effect on haematological profile or immunosuppression in these babies. Our case series supports safety of azathioprine in the short term. However, large numbers are needed to determine long-term safety of azathioprine and breastfeeding.

Keywords: azathioprine; breastfeeding; maternal–fetal medicine

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