Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Identifier
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-1454
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rates of adult women receiving contraceptive provision when simultaneously prescribed a known teratogen are alarmingly low. The prevalence of this behavior among pediatric providers and their adolescent patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to describe pediatric provider behaviors for prescribing teratogens concurrently with counseling, referral, and/or prescribing of contraception (collectively called contraceptive provision) in the adolescent population.
METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted examining visits in 2008-2012 by adolescents aged 14 to 25 years in which a known teratogen (US Food and Drug Administration pregnancy risk category D or X) was prescribed. The electronic medical records were queried for demographic information, evidence of contraceptive provision, and menstrual and sexual histories. The data were analyzed using standard statistical methods.
RESULTS: Within 4172 clinic visits, 1694 females received 4506 prescriptions for teratogenic medications. The most commonly prescribed teratogens were topiramate, methotrexate, diazepam, isotretinoin, and enalapril. The subspecialties prescribing teratogens most frequently were neurology, hematology-oncology, and dermatology. Overall, contraceptive provision was documented in 28.6% of the visits. Whites versus nonwhites and older versus younger girls were more likely to receive contraceptive provision. The presence of a federal risk mitigation system for the teratogen also increased the likelihood of contraceptive provision.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate female adolescents prescribed teratogens receive inadequate contraception provision, which could increase their risk for negative pregnancy outcomes. Although the presence of a federal risk mitigation system appears to improve contraceptive provision, these systems are costly and, in some instances, difficult to implement. Efforts to improve provider practices are needed.
Journal Title
Pediatrics
Volume
137
Issue
1
MeSH Keywords
Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Adolescent; Adult; Contraception; Contraceptive Agents; Counseling; Drug Prescriptions; Electronic Health Records; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Teratogens; United States; Young Adult
Keywords
Birth Control; Contraception
Recommended Citation
Stancil SL, Miller M, Briggs H, Lynch D, Goggin K, Kearns G. Contraceptive Provision to Adolescent Females Prescribed Teratogenic Medications. Pediatrics. 2016;137(1):10.1542/peds.2015-1454. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-1454
Included in
Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Commons, Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Pharmaceutical Preparations Commons, Preventive Medicine Commons
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