Preconception antidiabetic drugs in men and birth defects in offspring: A nationwide cohort study

Study (n=1,116,779 offspring) found overall frequency of ≥1 major defects & birth defects (BDs) in insulin-exposed offspring (n=5298) were as per reference BD frequency (BDF), however metformin-exposed offspring (n=1451) had elevated BDF particularly genital birth defects in boys

SPS commentary:

In the study, adjusted odds ratio of birth defect was 1.40 [95% CI, 1.08 to 1.82]) in metformin-exposed offspring.

Accompanying editorial discusses birth defects as leading cause of infant mortality in many geographic regions and challenges of identifying emerging teratogens especially in the context of rapid changes in the health status of reproductive-aged populations such as the growing percentage of young adults who are overweight or obese.

A summary for patients is also provided which discusses how the study was conducted and what was found in patient-friendly language.

Annals of Internal Medicine

Resource links:

Editorial

Summary for Patients