Safety of Use of Efavirenz During Pregnancy - Meta-Analysis Update

Researchers updated a meta-analysis of the risk of birth defects from efavirenz use during pregnancy to be current through July 2011. Relative risk of birth defects for those women on efavirenz-included therapy versus those not using efavirenz was 0.85. The incidence of neural tube defects was low - one amongst 1437 live births for a rate of 0.07%. Researchers suggest further documenting of birth outcomes for better determination of relative risk.

Citation:
Ford N, Calmy A, Mofenson L. Safety of efavirenz in the first trimester of pregnancy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. AIDS. 2011 Nov 28;25(18):2301-4.

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