A longitudinal study based on register data where the goal is to study impact of drug exposure during pregnancy and maternal chronic illness on pregnancy outcomes, perinatal health of the child and prevalence of major congenital anomalies.
Goals
The aim of the project is to determine the following aspects of drug utilization in pregnancy:
- Its extent and quantity
- Its effects on the pregnancy outcomes and newborn health
- Its effects on the prevalence of major congenital anomalies
Implementation
The project research data are based on information obtained from national health registers. The data consist of mothers who gave birth between 1996 and 2024 and their children as well as induced abortions. The information on children and mothers was obtained from the Medical Birth Register by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and on induced abortions from the Register on Induced Abortions (THL). Information on malformations was obtained from the Register of Congenital Malformations (THL). Information on drug use during pregnancy and long-term illnesses of mothers was obtained from the medicine and benefit data maintained by Social Insurance Institute of Finland (Kela). The data are supplemented every 1–2 years.
Drug utilization in pregnancy is studied separately for pregnancies ending in delivery and induced abortion, mainly during pregnancy and/or the month preceding it. The frequency of long-term illnesses during pregnancy is studied on the basis of reimbursement entitlements among pregnant persons granted by Kela, which are effective during pregnancy. The frequency of drug use is determined by examining the number and proportion of people who filled medicines from the pharmacy. Drug purchases are investigated at all levels of the international Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification.
The association between drug exposure during pregnancy and the prevalence of congenital anomalies is studied in live born and stillborn babies as well as in pregnancies that have been terminated due to fetal anomaly. In studies assessing the impact of drug exposure during pregnancy on the health of the child in the perinatal period, both live born and stillborn babies are studied.
Funding
Currently ongoing projects are receiving funding/have received funding from the European Medicines Agency EMA, RTI Health Solutions, HUS Emergency Medicine and Services and Nordic Cancer Union.
Partners
HUS Emergency Medicine and Services, Teratology information service.
Subprojects can be carried out in collaboration with several organizations. When needed, a separate research permit is applied for, a research collaboration agreement is signed, and agreement on controllership and processing of personal data is be made in collaboration projects.
IMI ConcePTION project received funding from European Union and EFPIA in years 2019-2024.
Contact details
Updated: