Scientists unravel how fever in early pregnancy causes birth defect

JAIPUR: For some time now, fever in the first trimester of pregnancy was known to result in defects like a cleft lip or palate, or even heart defects. Scientists have debated whether a virus or the fever itself could cause this. Now, scientists conducting research on animal embryos have shown that the development of the heart or jaw in early pregnancy could be impeded by the “fever itself, not its root source,” says website Science Daily, quoting a study published in journal ‘Science Signaling’.
Researchers from the Medical Centre of Duke University in the US now have evidence that suggests “congenital birth defects could be prevented by lowering the mother's fever with the judicious use of acetaminophen during the first trimester,” Science Daily reported, quoting senior author Eric Benner, MD, PhD, neonatologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at Duke.
Doctors recommend that fevers in early pregnancy be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol), which has been found to be safe during the first trimester. Benner is quoted on Science Daily as saying, “Doctors advise most women to avoid any drug during pregnancy. There may be benefits to taking acetaminophen to reduce fever. Women should discuss all risks and benefits with their doctors.”
The website said, “Benner cautions that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin also reduce fevers, but some NSAIDs are not safe to use during the later stages of pregnancy. There is also ongoing debate over whether sustained use of acetaminophen is safe during pregnancy to manage ongoing conditions such as arthritis, Benner said.” The scientist has advocated the drug’s judicious use for an acute problem such as fever. “These findings suggest we can reduce the risk of birth defects that otherwise could lead to serious health complications requiring surgery,” he said.
The scientists studied zebrafish and chicken embryos to understand changes in developing embryos, and found that ‘neural crest cells’ — cells that are critical building blocks for the heart, face and jaw — contain temperature-sensitive properties.