Landscape analysis of pregnancy exposure registries in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

TL;DR

This study maps pregnancy exposure registries in low- and middle-income countries to improve drug and vaccine safety monitoring for pregnant individuals.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive landscape analysis of pregnancy exposure registries in low- and middle-income countries.

Findings

45 data collection systems in LMICs were identified, with 36 currently active.

The systems were categorized into six groups based on structure and approach.

The study highlights the need for increased investment to sustain and expand these registries.

Abstract

Drug and vaccine safety information relevant to pregnant individuals is typically insufficient, especially so for persons living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Pregnancy exposure registries (PERs) and similar systems are used to monitor medical products safety. A better understanding of the landscape of PERs in LMICs can support medicines regulatory system strengthening and preparation for new vaccine and drug introductions.

To identify PERs and related health data collection platforms in LMICs that systematically record pregnancy exposures to medical products and pregnancy outcomes to inform how future efforts, such as new vaccine introductions and treatment programmes, can better support maternal populations in these countries.

Scoping review based on methodology outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute manual for scoping reviews.

Electronic search of Medline/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Global Index Medicus in June 2022, and key informants via online survey in July 2022 and interviews.

Eligible resources included registries, surveillance systems and databases that collect information on exposures to medical products during pregnancy and on subsequent maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes in populations located entirely or partially in LMICs. Eligible records were published from January 2000 through June 2022.

Search results were screened and data extracted using a standardised form by two independent reviewers. Instances of discordance were resolved by a third reviewer. Identified systems were categorised by resource type.

A total of 7515 records from electronic searches were screened, with 396 selected for full-text review and 47 additional records obtained from other sources. From these, 45 data collection systems located in African, Asian and Latin American LMICs were identified, with 36 currently in operation. These resources were grouped into six categories based on structure and approach and summarised according to key features, strengths and weaknesses.

This scoping review identified several resources in LMICs dedicated to drug and vaccine safety in pregnancy, but findings indicate that more investment will be needed to ensure such efforts are widespread and sustainable. Understanding the current landscape of such resources in these settings is an important step towards improving safe, world-wide access to life-saving interventions for pregnant populations.

The protocol for this review has been registered with Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/FU5AT).

Figures