IBD medications during pregnancy and lactation

Expression Profile of MicroRNAs in Breast Milk of Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Correlation With Disease Activity and Medical Treatments

BACKGROUND

Although most inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) medications are considered safe during pregnancy, their impact on microRNAs (miRNAs) in breast milk is largely unknown. MiRNAs in milk, carried by milk-derived extracellular vesicles (MDEs), are transmitted to the newborn's gut to regulate genes. Aberrant miRNA expression profiles have been found in IBD within tissue, blood, and feces, but data on mother's milk are scarce.

METHODS

We collected breast milk samples from 32 mothers with Crohn's disease (CD), 14 mothers with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 44 healthy controls. We analyzed miRNA expression through qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Affymetrix miRNA chips. Target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted using miRATBase. Statistical analyses were conducted using GraphPad Prism software with Mann-Whitney tests.

RESULTS

Milk-derived extracellular vesicles from mothers with IBD showed altered miRNA profiles compared to controls. Specifically, miR-21 and miR-320 were downregulated, while Let-7a was upregulated in IBD mothers. The expression patterns varied between CD and UC, with significantly lower MiR-21 in UC and higher Let-7a in CD. Additionally, anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment during pregnancy was associated with reduced miR-21 and miR-148a levels in MDEs. Pathway analysis revealed that these miRNAs are involved in immune regulation, particularly interleukin signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights that miRNAs in breast milk are differentially expressed in mothers with IBD, influenced by the disease and its treatments. These findings emphasize the impact of maternal health on milk composition and potential implications for infant immune development. Understanding these findings may guide personalized treatment strategies for mothers and promote breastfeeding among mothers with IBD.

Immunosuppressant Medications in Pregnancy

Pregnant patients are often on immunosuppressant medications, most commonly to manage transplantation or autoimmune disorders. Most immunosuppressant agents, including tacrolimus, corticosteroids, azathioprine, and calcineurin inhibitors, are safe during pregnancy and lactation. However, mycophenolic acid is associated with higher risks of birth defects and should be avoided in pregnancy. Tacrolimus, the commonly used drug in transplantation medicine and autoimmune disorders, requires monitoring of serum levels for dose adjustment, particularly during pregnancy. Although no pregnancy-specific therapeutic range exists, the general target range is 5-15 ng/mL, and pregnant patients may require higher doses to achieve therapeutic levels. Adherence to prescribed immunosuppressive regimens is crucial to prevent graft rejection and autoimmune disorder flare-ups. This review aims to provide essential information about the use of immunosuppressant medications in pregnant individuals. With a rising number of pregnant patients undergoing organ transplantations or having autoimmune disorders, it is important to understand the implications of the use of these medications during pregnancy.

Updates on the management of inflammatory bowel disease from periconception to pregnancy and lactation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects reproductive planning due to psychological effects and mechanical problems related to surgery. Children of people with IBD have an increased risk of about 10% if one parent has IBD and up to 33% if both parents have IBD. The fertility of people with IBD is similar to the general population, but fertility might be reduced in individuals with active IBD, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, or perianal Crohn's disease. Flaring disease during pregnancy increases complications, such as preterm birth. Thus, disease management with appropriate medications can optimise outcomes. As most medications have minimal fetal risks, people with IBD should be informed about the risks of stopping medications and the importance of maintaining remission. A period of disease remission is advisable before pregnancy and could reduce the risks for both the pregnant person and the fetus. Flexible endoscopy, intestinal ultrasound, and gadolinium-free magnetic resonance enterography are safe during pregnancy. We provide state-of-the-art knowledge on the basis of the latest evidence to ensure successful pregnancy outcomes in controlled IBD.

Pregnancy and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Special Combination

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises a spectrum of chronic immune-mediated diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Onset typically occurs in early adulthood. The incidence of this disease has increased worldwide. Its prevalence has increased in Colombia and occurs predominantly in women. Considering that this disease is not curable, the main objective of management is to achieve remission. Many women are affected by IBD during different stages of their lives, including their reproductive life, pregnancy, and menopause. Because of this, the way the disease is managed in women of reproductive age can affect the course of IBD. Treatment and health maintenance strategies are very relevant; for patients with a desire to conceive, remission of the disease is very important at the time of conception and throughout the pregnancy to ensure adequate outcomes for both mother and fetus. Also, remission is necessary at least 3 months prior to conception. It is well known that active disease during conception and pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes. In addition, active perianal disease is an indication of cesarean delivery, resulting in an increased risk of intestinal surgery and post-operative complications.

Pregnancy in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases-A Literature Review

In recent years, we have faced an increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially among young people, affecting them during their reproductive years. The paucity of data and reduced knowledge regarding the evolution of the disease during pregnancy and the adverse effects of the therapy on the mother and infant increase voluntary childlessness in this group of patients. Depending on the type of IBD, severity and surgical or medical management, this can negatively affect the pregnancy. C-sections and the risk of low-birth-weight babies are higher in women with IBD, independent of active/inactive disease, while preterm birth, stillbirth and miscarriage are associated with disease activity. In the last period, medicinal therapy has evolved, and new molecules have been developed for better control of the lesions, but the effect on pregnancy and breastfeeding is still controversial. We conducted this review by studying the literature and recent research in order to have a better image of the practical management of IBD during pregnancy.

A Practical Approach to IBD Care in the Pregnant Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rises, gastroenterologists are more commonly facing management of the disease in women of childbearing age. This coincides with the development of new IBD therapies whose use in pregnancy must be considered.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review provides updated recommendations for newer biologic agents and small molecules that have been approved for IBD treatment since the previous guidelines were published. In addition, recent research has found that prior IBD-related surgeries, not just ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, can impact pregnancy outcomes. Reassuringly, assisted reproductive technology for IBD patients has been found to have similar success rates to the non-IBD population. Ensuring disease remission prior to conception and throughout pregnancy is key for optimizing pregnancy and fetal outcomes. As gastroenterologists play an integral role in the management of IBD throughout the peripartum period, this review summarizes recent studies in combination with existing guidelines to address preconception counseling, medication safety, and management for quiescent and active disease throughout pregnancy.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Reproductive Health: From Fertility to Pregnancy-A Narrative Review

Despite the fact that knowledge on obstetrical management of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) has greatly improved over the years, many patients still actively avoid pregnancy for fear of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes, of adverse effects of pregnancy on the disease activity, of eventual IBD inheritance, or of an increased risk of congenital malformations. Indeed, though data prove that fertility is hardly affected by the disease, a reduced birth rate is nevertheless observed in patients with IBD. Misconceptions on the safety of drugs during gestation and breastfeeding may influence patient choice and negatively affect their serenity during pregnancy or lactation. Moreover, physicians often showed concerns about starting IBD medications before and during pregnancy and did not feel adequately trained on the safety of IBD therapies. IBD-expert gastroenterologists and gynecologists should discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding issues with patients when starting or changing medications in order to provide appropriate information; therefore, pre-conception counselling on an individualized basis should be mandatory for all patients of reproductive age to reassure them that maintaining disease remission and balancing the eventual obstetrical risks is possible.

Core indicators of an evaluation and guidance system for quality of care in inflammatory bowel disease centers: A critical review

The mission of the IBD Quality Care Evaluation Center (IBDQCC) is to establish indicators of quality of care (QoC), certify IBD units to generate a network of IBD quality care, and eventually improve the national level of IBD healthcare. The final list of 28 core and 13 secondary IBD QoC indicators suitable for the healthcare system in China were selected using a Delphi consensus methodology. Units that met all core indicators were qualified as "regional"; units that met all core indicators together with more than 50% of the secondary indicators received a rating of "excellence." Using the selected QoC core indicators for certifying IBD units, a network of IBD quality care units covering the majority of IBD patients in China was established.

Funding

This work was financially supported by Cultivation Funding for Clinical Scientific Research Innovation, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University (RJPY-LX-004), National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81,770,545), Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Initiative (21SQBS02302), and Cultivated Funding for Clinical Research Innovation, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University (RJPY-LX-004).

Prescribing for pregnancy: inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases commonly present in young adulthood and it is estimated that up to one in 200 pregnant women have IBD. Key factors for successful pregnancy outcome are disease remission at the time of conception and optimal disease control during pregnancy, with active disease increasing the risk of adverse effects for both mother and baby. This article forms part of a series on prescribing for pregnancy and discusses the impact of IBD on pregnancy and the influence pregnancy may have on IBD. It highlights the importance of prepregnancy care and collaborative working between obstetric and gastroenterology specialties as well as focusing on prescribing before, during and after pregnancy, exploring treatment options for IBD which are evolving rapidly as new immunosuppressive agents emerge.

Biologics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Their Safety in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Biologics are used routinely in pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but large-scale data reporting adverse pregnancy outcomes among biologic users are lacking. We sought to estimate the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with IBD on biologic therapies.

METHODS

We searched major databases from inception to June 2020 for studies estimating the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in IBD when using biologics (anti-tumor necrosis factor [TNF], anti-integrins, and anticytokines). Prevalence and relative risk (RR) were pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis comprising 6963 patients. Biologic therapy in IBD pregnancies was associated with a pooled prevalence of 8% (95% CI, 6%-10%; I2 = 87.4%) for early pregnancy loss, 9% (95% CI, 7%-11%; I2 = 89.9%) for preterm birth, 0% (95% CI, 0%-0%; I2 = 0%) for stillbirth, 8% (95% CI, 5%-10%; I2 = 87.0%) for low birth weight, and 1% (95% CI, 1%-2%; I2 = 78.3%) for congenital malformations. These rates are comparable with those published in the general population. In subgroup analyses of a small number of studies, the prevalence of early pregnancy loss and preterm birth were higher in vedolizumab vs anti-TNF users. Meta-regression did not show an association of disease activity or concomitant thiopurine on adverse outcomes. Continued TNF inhibitor use during the third trimester was not associated with risk of preterm birth (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.77-2.60; I2 = 0%), low birth weight (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.80-2.18; I2 = 0%), or congenital malformations (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.47-3.49; I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse pregnancy outcomes among pregnant IBD women using biologics are comparable with that of the general population. PROSPERO protocol #CRD42019135721.

Female reproductive health and inflammatory bowel disease: A practice-based review

Inflammatory bowel diseases, namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, occur worldwide and affect people of all ages, with a high impact on their quality of life. Sex differences in incidence and prevalence have been reported, and there are also gender-specific issues that physicians should recognize. For women, there are multiple, important concerns regarding issues of body image and sexuality, menstruation, contraception, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. This practice-based review focuses on the main themes that run through the life of women with inflammatory bowel diseases from puberty to menopause. Gastroenterologists who specialize in inflammatory bowel diseases and other physicians who see female patients with inflammatory bowel diseases should provide support for these problems and offer adequate therapy to ensure that their patients achieve the same overall well-being and health as do women without inflammatory bowel diseases.

Safety Prediction of Infants Born to Mothers with Crohn's Disease Treated with Biological Agents in the Late Gestation Period

Objectives:

Knowledge gaps exist in the use of biologics for pregnant patients with Crohn's disease (CD), especially the usage of ustekinumab (UST) and infliximab (IFX) infusion during the late gestation period. In this case series, we investigated perinatal and neonatal outcomes and pharmacokinetics of these biologics in pregnant CD patients.

Methods:

Pregnant CD patients under treatment with IFX or UST during January 2017 to December 2019 were monitored. Growth and development of their babies were followed up to six months. Drug concentrations were measured in maternal peripheral and cord blood at delivery and infants' blood at six months of age.

Results:

Four cases were kept IFX treatment until late gestation (median last dose: 31.2 weeks). One case received UST until 23 weeks of gestation. All cases were in clinical remission but moderately undernourished. Babies were delivered by cesarean section at full term without any complications or congenital abnormalities. No growth or developmental defects and no susceptibility to infections were observed by six months. However, two babies whose mothers received IFX after 30 weeks of gestation were detected IFX in their blood at six months of age (0.94 and 0.24 pg/ml). Concentrations of UST in maternal and cord blood were 267.7 and 756.5 ng/ml, respectively. UST was not detected in the infant at six months of age.

Conclusions:

Administration of UST or IFX to pregnant patients with CD is safe, particularly IFX to be given in the late gestation period. Understanding of the pharmacokinetics of biologics in maternal-infant interactions may improve the management of pregnant CD patients.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis diagnosed during pregnancy associated with successful breastfeeding experience

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare benign breast condition with a course that is often rapidly progressive and slow to resolve. There is no consensus on management, especially during pregnancy and lactation. A 30-year-old at 33 weeks presented with mastalgia, induration and galactorrhoea in the left breast. There was no improvement with antibiotics. Initial workup was negative, and a core needle biopsy showed findings consistent with the diagnosis of IGM. She was treated with steroids antepartum. She was co-managed by rheumatology and her obstetrician/breastfeeding medicine specialist postpartum. She was treated with azathioprine, breastfed exclusively for 6 months and continued breastfeeding through the first year. A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial in diagnosing, treating, and facilitating successful breastfeeding in patients with IGM.

Pregnancy and medications in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects patients at a significant time in their lives, often coinciding with family planning or pregnancy. While advances in IBD therapies have afforded women greater opportunities for successful conception and pregnancy outcomes, there still remains considerable maternal fear surrounding continuation of treatment in pregnancy. With the exception of methotrexate, most IBD drugs are safe and well tolerated during pregnancy and are not associated with significant risk of adverse fetal or pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, the current evidence overwhelmingly suggests that good control of disease activity and clinical remission at time of conception are the greatest prognostic factors for an uncomplicated pregnancy and maintenance of quiescent disease. Management of pregnant women with IBD should involve discussions with the mother and family about fears or concerns surrounding the impact of IBD on pregnancy. Mothers should be supported and counselled carefully on the safety and importance of adherence to therapy in maintaining remission. Optimal management of these women requires an inter-disciplinary team effort, involving the general practitioner, in close consultation with both gastroenterologists and obstetricians.

Vedolizumab Concentrations in Breast Milk: Results from a Prospective, Postmarketing, Milk-Only Lactation Study in Nursing Mothers with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background and Objectives

The safety of inflammatory bowel disease medications during lactation is of significant relevance to women of childbearing potential. Available data regarding the transfer of biologic agents for inflammatory bowel disease via breast milk are limited to case reports. The objective of this prospective postmarketing lactation study was to assess vedolizumab concentrations in breast milk from lactating vedolizumab-treated women with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

Breast milk was serially collected throughout the dosing interval from 11 patients receiving established intravenous vedolizumab 300-mg maintenance therapy every 8, 6, or 4 weeks. Maternal safety was also assessed.

Results

Vedolizumab was detectable in ~90% of milk samples collected from all patients. Following the day 1 dose, vedolizumab milk concentrations increased with a median of 3–4 days to peak concentration, and subsequently decreased exponentially. For the nine patients receiving vedolizumab every 8 weeks, the average relative infant dose was 20.9%. Using a mean trough serum concentration of 11.2 µg/mL from historical studies, the ratio of mean vedolizumab milk-to-serum concentration was ~ 0.4 to 2.2%, consistent with published data on vedolizumab and other monoclonal antibody therapeutics for inflammatory bowel disease. The maternal safety profile was similar to that observed in previous vedolizumab studies. Published vedolizumab studies also showed no adverse findings for infants breastfed by vedolizumab-treated mothers.

Conclusions

Vedolizumab was present in human breast milk at a low level. The decision to use vedolizumab should balance the benefit of therapy to the mother and the potential risks to the infant.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02559713; registered 24 September, 2015.

Addressing pregnancy-related concerns in women with inflammatory bowel disease: Insights from the patient's perspective

Background and Aim

Therapeutic options for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have expanded, as has the use of IBD medications in women during the reproductive period. However, no qualitative data exist that examine the pregnancy‐related concerns of women with IBD in the current era of widespread immunomodulator and biologic use. Hence, we aimed to explore in detail the impact of IBD on pregnancy from the patient's perspective.

Methods

This qualitative study used semistructured interviews to explore participants' experiences regarding IBD and pregnancy until no new themes emerged. Key themes were identified using thematic analysis.

Results

Fifteen women with IBD were interviewed. The majority of participants reported lingering concerns regarding their IBD medications, despite advice from their gastroenterologist that the drugs were considered safe in pregnancy. Participants more often reported medication‐related fears, such as potential negative effects on their child's immune system, than concerns regarding the effect of the disease itself on their pregnancy outcomes. A common theme was a perceived lack of knowledge among non‐IBD clinicians regarding IBD medications during pregnancy, which augmented pre‐existing anxiety.

Conclusions

This study is the first of its kind to provide an in‐depth assessment of female patients' perspectives of IBD in relation to conception, pregnancy, and caring for offspring. In particular, this research characterizes the unique fears and persisting anxieties regarding IBD medications in pregnancy. The study has unearthed important insights into the specific concerns and support needs of women with IBD in order to facilitate nonjudgmental counseling designed around patient concerns and beliefs.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term for chronic or remitting/relapsing inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract and generally refers to ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Since 1950, the number of patients with IBD in Japan has been increasing. The etiology of IBD remains unclear; however, recent research data indicate that the pathophysiology of IBD involves abnormalities in disease susceptibility genes, environmental factors and intestinal bacteria. The elucidation of the mechanism of IBD has facilitated therapeutic development. UC and CD display heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management depends on the understanding and tailoring of evidence-based interventions by physicians. In 2020, seventeen IBD experts of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology revised the previous guidelines for IBD management published in 2016. This English version was produced and modified based on the existing updated guidelines in Japanese. The Clinical Questions (CQs) of the previous guidelines were completely revised and categorized as follows: Background Questions (BQs), CQs, and Future Research Questions (FRQs). The guideline was composed of a total of 69 questions: 39 BQs, 15 CQs, and 15 FRQs. The overall quality of the evidence for each CQ was determined by assessing it with reference to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach, and the strength of the recommendation was determined by the Delphi consensus process. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance for on-site physicians is provided regarding indications for proceeding with the diagnosis and treatment.

Inflammatory bowel disease and pregnancy: fertility, complications and treatment

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is commonly diagnosed and treated in the young population. Therefore, it is common that women anticipating or undergoing pregnancy will have to cope with the additional burden of their IBD. Pregnancy in an IBD patient also presents challenges for the practitioner, in that the usual diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium of potential tests and therapies is disrupted. This review covers the implications of IBD for fertility, pregnancy and offspring, and discusses the management of IBD in pregnancy.

Thalidomide Combined With Azathioprine as Induction and Maintenance Therapy for Azathioprine-Refractory Crohn's Disease Patients

The combination therapy of thalidomide and azathioprine (AZA) offers an alternative in clinical practice for Crohn's disease (CD) patients experiencing a loss of response to AZA monotherapy. However, little is known about the efficacy and safety of this combination therapy for patients with CD. This was a retrospective study of 122 consecutive CD patients who lost response to AZA therapy and had switched to a combination therapy of thalidomide and AZA. The primary outcomes were clinical response and clinical remission rates at week 24. Patients who had an initial response to combination therapy were continued on the treatment for remission maintenance. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of clinical relapse throughout maintenance. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate cumulative rates, and Cox regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. During induction, 80.3% (98/122) patients achieved clinical response within a median duration of 6.5 weeks, (interquartile range, 4.3–8.1 weeks). The rate of clinical remission at 24 weeks was 70.5%. During follow-up, 22.4% (22/98) of the patients that were maintained on combination therapy experienced clinical relapse. The proportions of patients in remission status at 12, 24, and 36 months were 85.1, 78.3, and 70.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed C-reactive protein >10 mg/L at disease relapse on AZA monotherapy [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 4.72; 95% CI, 1.19–18.75, P = 0.027] and 6-thioguanine nucleotides level ≥235 pmol/8 × 10⁸ erythrocytes at AZA monotherapy (adjusted HR, 5.32; 95% CI, 1.40–20.14, P = 0.014) were associated with disease relapse on combination therapy. The endoscopic remission rate was 63.6%. Mucosal healing was achieved in 23.6% of the patients. Both Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (13.4 ± 4.92 vs. 6.12 ± 5.24, P < 0.001) and Rutgeerts scores (3.23 ± 0.73 vs. 1.77 ± 1.59, P = 0.003) were significantly decreased with the use of combination therapy. Adverse events occurred in 62 (50.8%) patients, but only 13 (10.7%) necessitated therapy discontinuation. Thalidomide combined with AZA was effective in inducing clinical remission and sustaining long-term steroid-free remission in CD patients who lost response to AZA monotherapy.

Colitis and Crohn's Foundation (India) consensus statements on use of 5-aminosalicylic acid in inflammatory bowel disease

Despite several recent advances in therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) therapy has retained its place especially in ulcerative colitis. This consensus on 5-ASA is obtained through a modified Delphi process, and includes guiding statements and recommendations based on literature evidence (randomized trials, and observational studies), clinical practice, and expert opinion on use of 5-ASA in IBD by Indian gastroenterologists. The aim is to aid practitioners in selecting appropriate treatment strategies and facilitate optimal use of 5-ASA in patients with IBD.

DEXAMETHASONE INTRAVITREAL IMPLANT FOR CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION DURING PREGNANCY

PURPOSE

To describe the management of active choroidal neovascularization (CNV) during pregnancy with the use of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DXI) (Ozurdex).

METHODS

Case series of active CNV treated with DXI with at least 12-month follow-up retrospectively analyzed at 2 high-volume referral centers in France. Medical records and multimodal macular imaging were evaluated.

RESULTS

Three eyes of 3 patients (age 30.0 ± 3.6 years) were included. One case of idiopathic CNV and two cases of CNV secondary to multifocal choroiditis were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 20.6 ± 4.0 months (range, 16-23 months). The DXI was given at second trimester of established pregnancy in all cases. Mean central retinal thickness decreased from 359 ± 53 μm to 301 ± 17 μm 1 month after DXI and remained stable up to 12 months of follow-up. Visual improvement in all cases was observed (mean 10 letters; range, 5-30 letters) 1 month after DXI and remained stable/increased up to 12-month follow-up (mean 22 letters; range, 10-30 letters). All patients had an uneventful prenatal course and delivered a healthy full-term infant.

CONCLUSION

In the authors' experience, a single DXI revealed safe and effective in CNV treatment during pregnancy.

Pharmacodynamics OF TNF α inhibitors for the treatment of psoriasis

Introduction: The treatment of psoriasis with conventional topical therapies and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is often linked to unsatisfactory outcomes and the risk of serious adverse events. Over the last decades, research advances in understanding the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF α) and other cytokines in the pathogenesis of psoriasis have driven the introduction of biologic agents targeting specific immune mediators in everyday clinical practice. TNF α inhibitors are a consolidated treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe disease with remarkable efficacy and a reassuring safety profile.Areas covered: The PubMed database was searched using combinations of the following keywords: psoriasis, TNF α inhibitors, biologic therapy, pharmacodynamics, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, certolizumab pegol, golimumab, adverse effects. The aim of this review is to describe the pharmacodynamic profile of anti-TNF α inhibitors, currently approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of psoriasis, focusing on related clinical implications, also in comparison to the new generation biological therapies targeting the interleukin 23/interleukin 17 axis.Expert opinion: Pharmacodynamics of TNF α inhibitors should be fully considered in planning patient's therapy strategies, especially in case of secondary failures, poor adherence to treatment, instable psoriasis, high risk of infection, pregnant or lactating women, metabolic comorbidities, coexistence of other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

The Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Pregnancy and the Fetus: A Literature Review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a constellation of devastating chronic inflammatory changes in the bowel, either involving the large or small bowel or part of both. As it is widely diagnosed in the fertile age group, this disorder can present itself, very commonly, during pregnancy and thus a better understanding of the disease can be an important factor to influence the maternal and fetal well-being. Medications are what is considered the first line in the management of this disease to control the symptoms or keep the disease in remission. In addition to this, the drugs used to keep the disease in remission can also cause significant adverse effects on the patient and the new nurturing life preparing itself for the outside world. What the fetus gets from the mother will stay for life with the child. We conducted an electronic literature review search which highlights the significance and impact of sustained remission of IBD and the cautious use of various drugs during pregnancy for that purpose. In addition to the influences already mentioned, It is evident that nutritional deficiencies can also prevail with the advancing disease, something to manage as a side note as well. These deficiencies can have a definite effect on the fetus and may cause developmental malformations. In order to avoid this process, a systemic and joint approach should be curtailed. This can reduce the adverse outcomes associated with this ailment during pregnancy.

Thiopurine Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease During Pregnancy Is Not Associated with Anemia in the Infant

INTRODUCTION

Thiopurine exposure throughout pregnancy in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is common and teratogenically safe. Late consequences of in utero exposure to thiopurines and its metabolite, 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN), such as neonatal and infant anemia are still disputed.

AIM

To evaluate whether 6-TGN exposure during pregnancy influences anemia in infants at 1 year of life.

METHODS

A comparative observational study was performed between 2009 and 2015 at a multidisciplinary IBD clinic dedicated to pregnant women. The hemoglobin level and signs of anemia between 9 and 15 months after birth of infants born to women exposed to thiopurines throughout the entire pregnancy was compared to infants of women with no thiopurine exposure during pregnancy.

RESULTS

Altogether, 34 patients, 21 in the study group and 13 in the control group, were included. The median duration of maternal thiopurine exposure prior to pregnancy was 24 months (range 12-72 months), and median dosage was 100 mg (range 50-175 mg). Maternal IBD activity, infants' iron supplementation, and iron deficiency diagnoses were similar between both groups. The infants' mean hemoglobin level (gr/dL) in the thiopurine-exposed women versus the control group was 11.48 ± 0.8 versus 11.54 ± 0.6, respectively, p = 0.81. The composite risk of any sign of infant anemia was numerically higher in the thiopurine-exposed women, 10 (47%), compared to non-exposed women, 3 (23%), p = 0.17. The mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, white blood cell, and platelet counts were similar among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Thiopurine therapy during pregnancy in women with IBD is safe for long-term neonatal outcomes; still large-scale confirmatory studies are required.

Drug interactions in maternal intensive care: prevalence, risk factors, and potential risk medications

Objective:

To characterize severe potential drug interactions in maternal intensive care, and to determine their frequency, risk factors and potential risk medications.

Methods:

An observational and longitudinal study conducted between December 2014 and December 2015 in a maternal intensive care unit. Clinical data were collected and severe potential drug interactions were identified on pregnant inpatients. The drug interactions were classified by type, prevalence and exposure rate. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the severe potential drug interactions and the related drugs (p<0.05).

Results:

A total of 95.1% of patients were exposed to, at least, one potential drug interaction; in that, 91.7% 33.9% were related to, respectively, moderate and severe potential drug interactions. The patients were exposed, on average, on 69.2% of days they were in the intensive care unit. The main drugs involved in more severe drug interactions were magnesium sulfate, metoclopramide, propranolol and diazepam.

Conclusion:

The severe potential drug interactions were observed in almost all patients of the study, and, approximately one third of those interactions were related to greater severity and resulted in exposure during long hospital stay. The higher number of prescribed drugs and its previous use of medications at home increase the occurrence of severe potential drug interactions.

Insights into the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy

Patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are most commonly diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood, with half of patients being diagnosed before age 32, thus impacting peak years of reproduction and family planning. While controlled IBD has no negative effects on the ability to conceive, there is overall a trend towards voluntary childlessness due to patients' concerns for adverse fetal outcomes from underlying IBD and from adverse medication effects. Active disease at the time of conception is associated with worsening disease activity during pregnancy and carries a higher risk of poor fetal outcomes. It is therefore important to maintain remission during pregnancy, which is often achieved with pharmacologic therapy. The goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature and safety data for pharmacologic treatment of IBD in pregnancy, in breastfeeding women, and in men planning to have children.

The Profile of Human Milk Metabolome, Cytokines, and Antibodies in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Versus Healthy Mothers, and Potential Impact on the Newborn

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

For women with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], it is not very well known how IBD or IBD treatment affects their breast milk components. We aimed to investigate whether breast milk composition differs in healthy control [HC] versus IBD mothers in terms of antibodies, cytokines, and metabolite,s to identify potential impact of IBD breast milk on neonatal immune system.

METHODS

Breast milk specimens from HC [n = 17] and IBD [n = 31 for Crohn's disease [CD]; and n = 41 for ulcerative colitis [UC]; were collected at 3 and 6 months postpartum [PP3] and [PP6], respectively. Faecal samples were also collected. Cytokines and immunoglobulins [IgA/IgG/IgE] were analysed by multiplex Meso Scale Discovery [MSD] and commercial kits. Moreover, breast milk metabolites were analysed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR].

RESULTS

We found that breast milk from IBD mothers showed significantly lower levels of IgA, sugar metabolite [lactose], and 2-aminobutyrate. In contrast, we observed that breast milk from mothers with IBD had increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and higher energy metabolites [lactate and succinate] than milk from healthy mothers. In addition, we noticed that the type of treatment [5-aminosalicylic acid versus biologics] influenced the milk cytokines and metabolites profile.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduction in immunoprotective components of IBD breast milk such as sIgA and lactose theoretically may modulate the potential protective effects of breastfeeding. On the other hand, presence of higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, lactate, and succinate may predispose the offspring to an inflammatory condition or impact on the gut microbiome. Better understanding of the role of succinate in infants and its potential effects on microbiome or mucosal immunity merits further investigations.

Pregnancy-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Subtle Diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are commonly diagnosed during the reproductive years. IBD first manifested during pregnancy (pregnancy-onset IBD [POIBD]) is still an undescribed entity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics and maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients with POIBD.

METHODS

Data of all pregnant women with IBD within a single multidisciplinary referral clinic, IBD-MOM, between 2011-2016, were analyzed. Maternal and neonatal characteristics and outcomes were compared between the POIBD group and those diagnosed before pregnancy (non-POIBD).

RESULTS

We identified 237 women, 31 (15%) from the POIBD group and 206 (85%) from the non-POIBD group. Eight (3.5%) patients experienced early spontaneous pregnancy loss, all in the non-POIBD group. The POIBD diagnosis occurred in 16 (52%) patients during the first trimester, 10 (32%) in second trimester, and 5 (16%) during third trimester. Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) was significantly more common in the POIBD group compared with the non-POIBD group (22/31, 71% vs 50/206, 24%, respectively, P < 0.001). More UC than Crohn's disease patients had active disease during pregnancy (69% vs 50%, P = 0.03, respectively). POIBD patients experienced vaginal delivery in 100% of births, compared with 164 (79.6%) in the non-POIBD group (P = 0.017). The mean gestational age at birth and the neonatal weight were similar among the study groups; 38.6 weeks and 3040 g for POIBD patients, compared with 38.7 weeks and 3055 g in the non-POIBD group.

CONCLUSIONS

POIBD is a unique clinical entity, and the diagnosis is mostly UC. However, the maternal and neonatal outcomes are similar.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder involving mainly the intestinal tract, but possibly other gastrointestinal and extraintestinal organs. Although etiology is still uncertain, recent knowledge in pathogenesis has accumulated, and novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities have become available for clinical use. Therefore, the previous guidelines were urged to be updated. In 2016, the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology revised the previous versions of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in Japanese. A total of 59 clinical questions for 9 categories (1. clinical features of IBD; 2. diagnosis; 3. general consideration in treatment; 4. therapeutic interventions for IBD; 5. treatment of UC; 6. treatment of CD; 7. extraintestinal complications; 8. cancer surveillance; 9. IBD in special situation) were selected, and a literature search was performed for the clinical questions with use of the MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases. The guidelines were developed with the basic concept of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made using Delphi rounds. This English version was produced and edited based on the existing updated guidelines in Japanese.

The safety of non-biological treatments in Ulcerative Colitis

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a relapsing-remitting course that determines significant morbidity and can associate with local complications and/or extra-intestinal manifestations. Pharmacological therapies are often required for a lifetime with possible risks of toxicity and side effects. Areas covered: Non-biological therapies (i.e. aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs) are widely used in UC patients for controlling the active phases of the disease and maintaining remission. Expert Opinion: Aminosalycilates have a good safety profile with a low risk of idiosyncrasic reactions. In contrast, the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs can associate with unacceptable side effects, some of which are potentially life threatening. Mechanisms underlying the development of these side effects are not fully understood and strategies aimed to prevent them have not yet been standardized. However, clinicians should monitor the patients during therapy to recognize the adverse events at an early stage of the occurrence. New drugs that selectively target molecules involved in the amplification of the ongoing mucosal inflammation are currently under investigation. Preliminary data indicate that such compounds have better overall safety and tolerability than corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs.

Safety of treatments for inflammatory bowel disease: Clinical practice guidelines of the Italian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IG-IBD)

Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic conditions of unknown etiology, showing a growing incidence and prevalence in several countries, including Italy. Although the etiology of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is unknown, due to the current knowledge regarding their pathogenesis, effective treatment strategies have been developed. Several guidelines are available regarding the efficacy and safety of available drug treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases. Nevertheless, national guidelines provide additional information adapted to local feasibility, costs and legal issues related to the use of the same drugs. These observations prompted the Italian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IG-IBD) to establish Italian guidelines on the safety of currently available treatments for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These guidelines discuss the use of aminosalicylates, systemic and low bioavailability corticosteroids, antibiotics (metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, rifaximin), thiopurines, methotrexate, cyclosporine A, TNFα antagonists, vedolizumab, and combination therapies. These guidelines are based on current knowledge derived from evidence-based medicine coupled with clinical experience of a national working group.

Special situations in inflammatory bowel disease: First Latin American consensus of the Pan American Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (PANCCO) (Second part)

This is the first Latin American Consensus of the Pan American Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (PANCCO) regarding special situations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this consensus is to raise awareness in the medical community in all Latin American countries with respect to pregnancy, vaccinations, infections, neoplasms, including colorectal cancer, and pediatric issues in patients with IBD.

Pharmacology and Optimization of Thiopurines and Methotrexate in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Improving the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of thiopurines and methotrexate (MTX) have been areas of intense basic and clinical research. An increased knowledge on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of these immunomodulators has optimized treatment strategies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This review focuses on the metabolism and mode of action of thiopurines and MTX, and provides an updated overview of individualized treatment strategies in which efficacy in IBD can be increased without compromising safety. The patient-based monitoring instruments adapted into clinical practice include pretreatment thiopurine S-methyltransferase testing, thiopurine metabolite monitoring, and blood count measurements that may help guiding the dosage to improve clinical outcome. Other approaches for optimizing thiopurine therapy in IBD include combination therapy with allopurinol, 5-aminosalicylates, and/or biologics. Similar strategies are yet to be proven effective in improving the outcome of MTX therapy. Important challenges for the management of IBD in the future relate to individualized dosing of immunomodulators for maximal efficacy with minimal risk of side effects. As low-cost conventional immunomodulators still remain a mainstay in pharmacotherapy of IBD, more research remains warranted, especially to substantiate these tailored management strategies in controlled clinical trials.

Treatment of pregnant women with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease

The frequency of diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased in younger populations. For this reason, pregnancy in patients with IBD is a topic of interest, warranting additional focus on disease management during this period. The main objective of this article is to summarize the latest findings and guidelines on the management of potential problems from pregnancy to the breastfeeding stage. Fertility is decreased in patients with active IBD. Disease remission prior to conception will likely decrease the rate of pregnancy-related complications. Most of the drugs used for IBD treatment are safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Two exceptions are methotrexate and thalidomide, which are contraindicated in pregnancy. Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents are not advised during the third trimester as they exhibit increased transplacental transmission and potentially cause immunosuppression in the fetus. Radiological and endoscopic examinations and surgical interventions should be performed only when absolutely necessary. Surgery increases the fetal mortality rate. The delivery method should be determined with consideration of the disease site and presence of progression or flare up. Treatment planning should be a collaborative effort among the gastroenterologist, obstetrician, colorectal surgeon and patient.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Influence and Implications in Reproduction

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to rise with time, signifying its emergence as a global disease. Clinical onset of IBD, comprising Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, typically occurs before or at peak reproductive age. Although active disease in female patients is associated with reduced fertility and adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnancy, the molecular mechanisms underlying this altered reproductive course, and its impact on IBD transmission to offspring, remain poorly understood. Clinical and experimental studies have now begun to elucidate the hormonal, environmental, and microbial factors that modulate immune-reproductive cross talk in IBD and define their impact on maternal health, fetal development, and heritability of disease risk. Evolving insight into maternal-fetal imprinting in IBD has important implications for patient counseling and disease management during pregnancy and may help predict clinical outcomes for both mother and child.

Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease During Pregnancy

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) usually affects women during their reproductive years and many concerns arise among these young patients. Pre-pregnancy consultation with a multi-disciplinary team is very important. The team should make patients aware of the critical importance of ensuring that conception occurs during a period of disease remission. Conception during an IBD flare-up results in disease activity or even exacerbates disease in two-thirds of women. Exacerbation of the disease is associated with increased frequency of maternal and fetal complications. Drug therapy constitutes a considerable source of patient anxiety but most drugs used for treating IBD are considered safe. Therefore, continuing pharmacological therapy during pregnancy is necessary to maintain disease control. Optimization of pre-conception nutritional status and smoking cessation are also emphasized. The general guideline for most patients, except for active perianal disease patients, is to aim for vaginal delivery in the absence of obstetric contraindications. Consistent, ongoing follow-up, as detailed in this review, should allay the anxieties and fears surrounding continuing immunosuppressive drugs during pregnancy, allowing each patient to attain the optimal conditions for achieving her goal of holding a healthy baby.

Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for Diabetic Macular Edema During Pregnancy

PURPOSE

To describe the management of diabetic macular edema during pregnancy with the use of a dexamethasone slow-release intravitreal implant.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational, consecutive case series.

METHODS

The study included 5 pregnant women who presented with diabetic macular edema during pregnancy in the period from 2011 to 2014. Review of charts and photographs comprised best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal center field thickness assessed by optical coherence tomography, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, medications, and changes in such parameters after implant injection.

RESULTS

Diabetic macular edema involving the foveal center was observed between gestational weeks 9 and 23 in 10 eyes of 5 patients. Dexamethasone intravitreal implant injection was given 10 times in 9 eyes with a mean preinjection center field retinal thickness of 535 μm (range, 239-727 μm) and a mean preinjection best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 63 approximated Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (approxETDRS) letters (range, 50-77 letters). One eye was unavailable for follow-up. In 7 of 8 eyes injection was followed, within 3 weeks, by a greater than 145 μm reduction in foveal center field thickness and in 6 of 8 eyes by an increase in BCVA of 5 or more approxETDRS letters. A mild transient rise in intraocular pressure occurred in 3 out of 8 eyes.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic macular edema involving the foveal center that presented during pregnancy responded promptly to intravitreal dexamethasone therapy by foveal thickness reduction and visual acuity improvement without clinically significant intraocular pressure increases.

Current approaches to management of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) still lacks the cure, but most patients can be well managed with drug therapy. Aminosalicylates remain the mainstay treatment for UC patients. Glucocorticoids have remarkable anti-inflammatory effects and can induce remission rapidly. However, many cases may develop dependency or resistance, and adverse events during long-term use may also occur. As a result, glucocorticoids should be prescribed strictly according to the indication and application methods. Biologicals have great potentials for UC patients, especially for refractory UC patients. Nowadays, more and more new drugs and new formulations of traditional drugs, as well as novel regimens are introduced. The top-down therapy, which is utterly contradictory to the conventional step-up strategy, revolutionizes UC treatment. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based summary of current therapies for UC.

Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Varies Widely: A Need for Further Education

Background. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects patients in their young reproductive years. Women with IBD require maintenance therapies during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, physician management of IBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well characterized. Objective. To characterize physician perceptions and management of IBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Methods. A cross-sectional survey of Canadian physicians who are involved in the care of women with IBD was conducted. The survey included multiple-choice and Likert scale questions about perceptions and practice patterns regarding the management of IBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Results. 183 practicing physicians completed the questionnaire: 97/183 (53.0%) gastroenterologists; 75/183 (41.0%) general practitioners; and 11/183 (6.0%) other physicians. Almost half (87/183, 47.5%) of the physicians felt comfortable managing pregnant IBD patients. For specified IBD medications, proportions of physicians who indicated they would continue them during pregnancy were as follows: sulfasalazine, 47.4%; oral mesalamine, 67.0%; topical mesalamine, 70.3%; oral prednisone, 68.0%; topical prednisone, 78.0%; oral budesonide, 61.6%; topical budesonide, 75.0%; ciprofloxacin, 15.3%; metronidazole, 31.4%; azathioprine, 57.1%; methotrexate, 2.8%; infliximab, 55.6%; adalimumab, 78.1%. Similar proportions of physicians would continue these medications during breastfeeding. A higher proportion of gastroenterologists than nongastroenterologists indicated appropriate use of these IBD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Conclusions. Physician management of IBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding varies widely. Relative to other physicians, responses of gastroenterologists more frequently reflected best practices pertaining to medications for control of IBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is a need for further education regarding the management of IBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and inflammatory bowel diseases: Current perspectives, risks and patient management

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic idiopathic inflammatory conditions characterized by relapsing and remitting episodes of inflammation which can affect several different regions of the gastrointestinal tract, but also shows extra-intestinal manifestations. IBD is most frequently diagnosed during peak female reproductive years, with 25% of women with IBD conceiving after their diagnosis. While IBD therapy has improved dramatically with enhanced surveillance and more abundant and powerful treatment options, IBD disease can have important effects on pregnancy and presents several challenges for maintaining optimal outcomes for mothers with IBD and the developing fetus/neonate. Women with IBD, the medical team treating them (both gastroenterologists and obstetricians/gynecologists) must often make highly complicated choices regarding conception, pregnancy, and post-natal care (particularly breastfeeding) related to their choice of treatment options at different phases of pregnancy as well as post-partum. This current review discusses current concerns and recommendations for pregnancy during IBD and is intended for gastroenterologists, general practitioners and IBD patients intending to become, (or already) pregnant, and their families. We have addressed patterns of IBD inheritance, effects of IBD on fertility and conception (in both men and women), the effects of IBD disease activity on maintenance of pregnancy and outcomes, risks of diagnostic procedures during pregnancy and potential risks and complications associated with different classes of IBD therapeutics. We also have evaluated the clinical experience using "top-down" care with biologics, which is currently the standard care at our institution. Post-partum care and breastfeeding recommendations are also addressed.

The second European evidenced-based consensus on reproduction and pregnancy in inflammatory bowel disease

Trying to conceive and being pregnant is an emotional period for those involved. In the majority of patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, maintenance therapy is required during pregnancy to control the disease, and disease control might necessitate introduction of new drugs during a vulnerable period. In this updated consensus on the reproduction and pregnancy in inflammatory bowel disease reproductive issues including fertility, the safety of drugs during pregnancy and lactation are discussed.

IBD: reproductive health, pregnancy and lactation

The peak incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) occurs during the child-bearing years, and so questions about fertility, pregnancy and breast feeding are often asked by patients. It is known that patients with IBD receive twice as much information about pregnancy-related issues from gastroenterologists as from any other source (including the internet). Therefore, the role of the gastroenterologist in correctly educating patients to avoid misconceptions is paramount, and this should be done proactively prior to planning pregnancy so that the patient's health and medications can be optimised. A clear understanding of medication safety during pregnancy and lactation will improve clinical management.

Inflammatory bowel diseases and human reproduction: a comprehensive evidence-based review

To evaluate the effects of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) on human reproduction, we reviewed the current literature using a systematic search for published studies (articles and/or abstracts) without limits for English language. We searched on Medline (through PubMed), the Institute for Scientific Information, the Web of Science and the websites for the registration of controlled trials (http://controlled-trials.com/). Bibliographies of retrieved articles, books, expert opinion review articles and reviewed bibliographies from subject experts were manually searched. Titles and abstracts were screened initially, and potential relevant articles were identified and reviewed. Whenever possible, data were analyzed by comparing IBD patients vs healthy controls, and patients with active IBDs vs those with disease in remission. The effects of IBDs on female fertility, fertility in infertile couples, pregnancy and male infertility were examined separately. Patients with IBDs in remission have normal fertility. At the moment, there is no established guideline for the preservation of fertility in women with IBD undergoing surgery. Further data are needed regarding guidelines for the management of these patients. Data regarding IBDs and infertility are currently completely lacking. Considering the prevalence of intestinal pathology in young adults of childbearing age, this field is of great scientific and clinical interest, opening up important future perspectives. Another important and as yet unexplored point is the response to treatments for infertility in patients with IBDs. In particular, the question is whether the reproductive outcomes (clinical and biological) can be influenced by the IBD of one of the partners. The goals for successful reproductive outcomes in IBD population are correct counseling and disease remission. IBDs significantly affect several reproductive aspects of human (female, male, couple) reproduction. Further data are needed to develop guidelines for the clinical management of subjects of reproductive age with IBDs.

From conception to delivery: managing the pregnant inflammatory bowel disease patient

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) typically affects patients during their adolescent and young adult years. As these are the reproductive years, patients and physicians often have concerns regarding the interaction between IBD, medications and surgery used to treat IBD, and reproduction, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal outcomes. Studies have shown a lack of knowledge among both patients and physicians regarding reproductive issues in IBD. As the literature is constantly expanding regarding these very issues, with this review, we provide a comprehensive, updated overview of the literature on the management of the IBD patient from conception to delivery, and provide action tips to help guide the clinician in the management of the IBD patient during pregnancy.