To define patterns of analgesic use within a sample of Norwegian pregnant females on the basis of their migraine history and to recognise predictors for analgesic use amongst these females.
Adequate use of analgesics is integral during pregnancy.
There is limited evidence in previous studies that have focused on drug
utilization in pregnant women suffering from migraine. In this study, patterns
of analgesic use in pregnant women has been predicted and it has been suggested
that migraine and demographic characteristics of patients affects the use of
analgesia
To define patterns of analgesic use within a sample of
Norwegian pregnant females on the basis of their migraine history and to
recognise predictors for analgesic use amongst these females.
Pregnant females at gestational week 17 registered with
Akershus University Hospital from 2008 to 2010 were selected for the analysis.
The questionnaires were used to collect the data regarding postpartum and birth
records from women when they were in their gestational weeks 17 and 32, and at
eight weeks. Females were divided into four groups depending upon the migraine
history: migraine in pregnancy, no migraine history, previous migraine history,
and recent migraine history. Patterns of analgesics usage were examined
descriptively. To recognise factors predicting analgesic use, multivariable
logistic regression was applied.
A total of 5.0% females described migraine in pregnancy,
68.8% no migraine history, 11.5% with former migraine history, and 13.2% recent
migraine history. Use of analgesic decreased during pregnancy. Many females
shifted from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Triptans and to
Paracetamol, which comprised the maximum of the analgesic use. Smoking, recent
migraine history, multiparity, and more severe headache intensity were the
factors related to the analgesic use.
Females with migraine should switch or stop medicines at
the time of pregnancy. Analgesic use in pregnancy is influenced by migraine
intensity and features, and socio-demographic factors. Doctors should have this
in mind when advising adequate control of migraine in pregnancy and safe
analgesic use.
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Patterns and predictors of analgesic use in pregnancy: a longitudinal drug utilization study with special focus on women with migraine
Gerd-Marie Eskerud Harris et al.
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