[Hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy: a review of retinal toxicity in the newborns]

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to review the published data on ocular toxicity in newborns after in utero exposure to hydroxychloroquine.

Methods: All publications related ophthalmologic follow-up of newborns or infants who were exposed to hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy were selected.

Results: Nine studies were analyzed, concerning 246 infants for which an ophthalmological examination was available. None of the infants had signs of ocular toxicity at the clinical stage. Among the 31 infants having electrophysiologics explorations, 4 had suggestive signs of retinal toxicity at the preclinical stage. This could probably be explained by a low cumulative dose, the immaturity of the fetal retina and the low light stimulation in utero. However, without a remote monitoring of infants, it is difficult to conclude to the absence of functional impairment.

Conclusion: Data are not for a major risk of retinal toxicity associated with exposure in utero to hydroxychloroquine.