Statins are the most commonly used class of drug to treat hyperlipidemia. Since they were first brought to market, statins have been considered contraindicated in pregnancy based on animal data showing teratogenic potential at high doses and concern that they might disrupt cholesterol biosynthesis in the developing fetus. Because of this, use during pregnancy is rare, and data about the effects of in utero exposure on fetal development are scarce in humans.
Those data that do exist derive primarily from registries, small cohort studies, and case reports. These studies have been inconsistent in their findings on the teratogenic potential of statins. For example, a review of spontaneous reports of exposure to statins during the first trimester to the US Food and Drug Administration suggested that lipophillic statins may increase the risk of central nervous system and limb…
