Epoprostenol Exposure During Pregnancy

• Published in: Critical care explorations Vol. 5; no. 6; p. e0928
• Main Authors: Naoum, Emily E., LaVita, Carolyn, Lopez, Natasha, Nardone, Alexa, Soffer, Marti D., Shelton, Kenneth T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 05.06.2023; Wolters Kluwer
• ISSN: 2639-8028; 2639-8028
• DOI: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000000928

Institutional policies restricting pregnant providers from caring for patients receiving inhaled epoprostenol exist across the nation based on little to no data to substantiate this practice. Over the last 2 decades, the use of inhaled pulmonary vasodilators has expanded in patients with cardiac and respiratory disease providing more evidence for the safety of these medications in obstetrical patients. We propose a thoughtful consideration and review of the literature to remove this restriction to reduce the need to reveal early pregnancy status to employers, to alleviate undue stress for pregnant caregivers who are exposed to patients receiving epoprostenol, and to ensure safe, equal employment, and learning opportunities for pregnant providers.