Ustekinumab Drug Levels in Maternal and Cord Blood in a Woman With Crohn's Disease Treated Until 33 Weeks of Gestation

Serological responses to vaccination in children exposed in utero to ustekinumab or vedolizumab: cross-sectional analysis of a prospective multicentre cohort

Evidence on serological responses to vaccination in children exposed to ustekinumab (UST) or vedolizumab (VDZ) in utero is lacking. This multicentre prospective study aimed to assess the impact of prenatal exposure to UST or VDZ due to maternal inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on serological responses to vaccination and other immunological parameters in exposed children. Children aged ≥ 1 year who were exposed in utero to UST or VDZ and completed at least 1-year of mandatory vaccination were included. We assessed the serological response to vaccination (non-live: tetanus, diphtheria, and Haemophilus influenzae B; live: mumps, rubella, and measles), whole blood count, and immunoglobulin levels. The control group comprised unexposed children born to mothers without IBD. A total of 23 children (median age, 25 months) exposed to UST (n = 13) or VDZ (n = 10) and 10 controls (median age, 37 months) were included. The serological response to vaccination was comparable between the UST and VDZ groups and controls, with an adequate serological response rate of ≥ 80%. Only children exposed to UST showed a slightly reduced serological response to mumps (67% vs. 86% in controls), whereas all children exposed to VDZ showed an adequate response. The majority of the exposed children had normal levels of individual immunoglobulin classes, similar to the controls. No severe pathology was observed in any of the children.Conclusion: Despite the limited sample size, our findings suggest that in utero exposure to VDZ or UST does not significantly impair the vaccine response or broader immunological parameters in exposed children.

Pharmacokinetics of Monoclonal Antibodies Throughout Pregnancy: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Although little information is available on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) during pregnancy, multiple mAbs are being used during pregnancy for various indications. The aim of this systematic literature review was to characterize the PK of mAbs throughout pregnancy.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed and Embase on 21 April 2023. Articles were included when information on PK or exposure parameters of mAbs in pregnant women was available.

RESULTS

A total of 42 relevant articles were included, of which eight discussed adalimumab, three certolizumab pegol, five eculizumab, one golimumab, 12 infliximab (IFX), two natalizumab, one canakinumab, one omalizumab, five tocilizumab, eight ustekinumab, and five vedolizumab. One of the 42 studies reported information on clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (VD) of IFX; all other studies only reported on serum concentrations in the pre-pregnancy state, different trimesters, and the postpartum period. For all of the assessed mAbs except IFX, serum concentrations were similar to concentrations in the pre-pregnancy state or modestly decreased. In contrast, IFX trough concentrations generally increased in the second and third trimesters in comparison to the non-pregnant state.

CONCLUSION

Available information suggests that the anatomical and physiological changes throughout pregnancy may have meaningful effects on the PK of mAbs. For most mAbs (not IFX), modestly higher dosing (per mg) maybe needed during pregnancy to sustain a similar serum exposure compared to pre-pregnancy.

Elevated cord levels of ustekinumab following its use in the treatment of Crohn's disease in pregnancy

Ustekinumab (USK) was used in the treatment of two pregnant patients with Crohn's disease. It was given in the third trimester and restarted postnatally for both women. One woman remained on USK and in remission throughout pregnancy. The second woman, took a treatment break, flared, and then had remission induced with reintroduction of USK. Both women delivered healthy term infants. The interval from last dose to birth was 11 and 8 weeks respectively. Interestingly, USK levels in cord blood was observed in higher concentrations than in the maternal serum taken in third trimester. While no adverse effect in infants has been observed, clinicians should remain aware of fetal transfer when using USK in pregnancy. An evaluation of risk and benefit may favour continuing USK in pregnancy in patients with refractory disease.

IBD and Motherhood: A Journey through Conception, Pregnancy and Beyond

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) presents distinct challenges during pregnancy due to its influence on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. This literature review aims to dissect the existing scientific evidence on pregnancy in women with IBD and provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical management. A comprehensive search was conducted across scientific databases, selecting clinical studies, systematic reviews, and other pertinent resources. Numerous studies have underscored an increased risk of complications during pregnancy for women with IBD, including preterm birth, low birth weight, neonates small for gestational age, and congenital malformations. Nevertheless, it's evident that proactive disease management before and throughout pregnancy can mitigate these risks. Continuation of IBD treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding is deemed safe with agents like thiopurines, anti-TNF, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab. However, there's a call for caution when combining treatments due to the heightened risk of severe infections in the first year of life. For small molecules, their use is advised against in both scenarios. Effective disease management, minimizing disease activity, and interdisciplinary care are pivotal in attending to women with IBD. The emphasis is placed on the continual assessment of maternal and infant outcomes and an expressed need for further research to enhance the understanding of the ties between IBD and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Australian inflammatory bowel disease consensus statements for preconception, pregnancy and breast feeding

OBJECTIVE

Because pregnancy outcomes tend to be worse in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in those without, we aimed to update consensus statements that guide the clinical management of pregnancy in patients with IBD.

DESIGN

A multidisciplinary working group was established to formulate these consensus statements. A modified RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was used, consisting of a literature review, online voting, discussion meeting and a second round of voting. The overall agreement among the delegates and appropriateness of the statement are reported.

RESULTS

Agreement was reached for 38/39 statements which provide guidance on management of pregnancy in patients with IBD. Most medications can and should be continued throughout pregnancy, except for methotrexate, allopurinol and new small molecules, such as tofacitinib. Due to limited data, no conclusion was reached on the use of tioguanine during pregnancy. Achieving and maintaining IBD remission before conception and throughout pregnancy is crucial to optimise maternofetal outcomes. This requires a multidisciplinary approach to engage patients, allay anxieties and maximise adherence tomedication. Intestinal ultrasound can be used for disease monitoring during pregnancy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy or MRI where clinically necessary.

CONCLUSION

These consensus statements provide up-to-date, comprehensive recommendations for the management of pregnancy in patients with IBD. This will enable a high standard of care for patients with IBD across all clinical settings.

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.

Expert consensus on vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Japan

Immunosuppressive therapies can affect the immune response to or safety of vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The appropriateness of vaccination should be assessed prior to the initiation of IBD treatment because patients with IBD frequently undergo continuous treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. This consensus was developed to support the decision-making process regarding appropriate vaccination for pediatric and adult patients with IBD and physicians by providing critical information according to the published literature and expert consensus about vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) [excluding cervical cancer and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] in Japan. This consensus includes 19 important clinical questions (CQs) on the following 4 topics: VPDs (6 CQs), live attenuated vaccines (2 CQs), inactivated vaccines (6 CQs), and vaccination for pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding (5 CQs). These topics and CQs were selected under unified consensus by the members of a committee on intractable diseases with support by a Health and Labour Sciences Research Grant. Physicians should provide necessary information on VPDs to their patients with IBD and carefully manage these patients' IBD if various risk factors for the development or worsening of VPDs are present. This consensus will facilitate informed and shared decision-making in daily IBD clinical practice.

Ustekinumab during pregnancy and lactation: drug levels in maternal serum, cord blood, breast milk, and infant serum

BACKGROUND

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) may be concerned about medication safety during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation, and they should be closely followed up to ensure that UC activity is controlled during the perinatal period. Reported information on the safety of ustekinumab during pregnancy and lactation is limited. In this case report, we examined the safety of ustekinumab in a fetus and breastfed infant with reference to drug concentrations in maternal serum, cord blood, breast milk, and infant serum.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 36-year-old female who developed hematochezia and was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 24 was pregnant with her first child. During pregnancy she was treated with subcutaneous bimonthly ustekinumab, at a dose of 90 mg, until 29 weeks of gestation. Her ulcerative colitis symptoms remained in remission. At 38 weeks of gestation she underwent cesarean section and delivered a healthy female infant weighing 3043 g and with no congenital malformations. The infant received routine vaccinations with no adverse events. Ustekinumab treatment was resumed at 7 weeks postpartum. The ustekinumab concentration in maternal serum at 12 days after injection (30.7 weeks of gestation) was 7968.5 ng/mL, and it decreased to 106.1 ng/mL at 114 days after the last dose. In cord blood, the ustekinumab concentration was 1131.2 ng/mL at 65 days after the last dose; this was 2.5 times higher than that in the maternal serum, which was consistent with a previous report. Ustekinumab was detected in infant serum collected at 71 days after the last maternal dose (299.0 ng/mL), with rapid elimination from the infant's body. In breast milk, the maximum ustekinumab concentrations were 13.6 ng/mL at 9 days after the last maternal dose, respectively. The ratio of the calculated areas under the time-concentration curves of ustekinumab in breast milk and maternal serum was 0.0008 (257.1/327632.7), which was comparable with a previous human study.

CONCLUSION

The placental transfer and breast milk secretion of ustekinumab in our case were comparable with previous reports. Use of ustekinumab during pregnancy and lactation was feasible in this case. Further research is needed to clarify the safety of ustekinumab during pregnancy and lactation.

Ustekinumab levels in pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease and infants exposed in utero

BACKGROUND

Ustekinumab is increasingly used in pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Existing safety data are reassuring, but the stability of ustekinumab levels in pregnancy, degree of transfer to the infant and time to infant clearance are unknown.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, ustekinumab-exposed women with IBD had trough levels measured in each trimester of pregnancy and at delivery. Infant ustekinumab levels were measured at delivery and ongoing until clearance was achieved. Trough ustekinumab level stability in individuals across pregnancy was compared by Skillings-Mack test. Spearman coefficients were used to correlate maternal and infant delivery levels, and median time to infant ustekinumab clearance was defined.

RESULTS

19 pregnant women receiving ustekinumab were included. There was no difference in ustekinumab levels across pregnancy in those with two or more representative trough levels (P = 0.83, n = 11). Infant delivery ustekinumab levels were higher than maternal levels, with a median infant:maternal ratio of 1.79 (IQR 1.26-3.1). There was a positive correlation between maternal and infant delivery ustekinumab levels (r = 0.75, P = 0.001) and an inverse correlation between the number of days from final antenatal dose and delivery infant ustekinumab level (r = -0.65, P = 0.006). Median time of infant ustekinumab clearance was 9 (range 6-19) weeks (n = 9).

CONCLUSION

Ustekinumab drug levels appear stable in pregnancy, with a delivery infant:maternal ratio similar to that of anti-TNFs. Infant ustekinumab clearance was complete by 20 weeks post-partum, however, infants exposed in utero should avoid live vaccination before 12 months of age until further clearance data are obtained.

Effectiveness and Safety of Ustekinumab in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Ustekinumab, an interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 antagonist, is licensed for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) after the phase III trial programs demonstrated efficacy over placebo. However, these findings may not be directly transferable to the real-world due to the stringent inclusion criteria of clinical trials.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the safety and effectiveness of ustekinumab in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A systematic literature search was conducted via Medline and Embase from inception to April 21, 2020. Observational studies assessing ustekinumab's safety and effectiveness by reporting response, remission and/or adverse events (AE) in either CD or UC were included. Two reviewers independently assessed risk of bias and extracted study data. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool rates of clinical response, remission, and safety data.

RESULTS

Following deduplication, 2147 records were identified of which 41 studies (38 CD, 3 UC) comprising 4400 patients were included for quantitative analysis. Pooled clinical remission rates for CD were 34% (95% CI, 26%-42%) following induction and 31% (95% CI, 25%-38%) at one year. For UC, post-induction clinical remission rates were 39% (95% CI, 23%-56%). Serious AEs were reported in 5.6% of patients. Pregnancy outcomes were similar to the general population. One-third of patients with active baseline perianal disease responded or had fistula healing with ustekinumab.

CONCLUSIONS

In the most comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to date, and the first to include UC, ustekinumab was shown to be effective and safe in the real-world treatment of IBD.

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.

A Systematic Review of the safety of non-TNF inhibitor biologic and targeted synthetic drugs in rheumatic disease in pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Despite increasing evidence to support safe use of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and other biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) during pre-conception/pregnancy, there remains a paucity of evidence regarding the safety and compatibility of other non-TNFi and novel targeted synthetic (ts)DMARDs during pre-conception/pregnancy. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to determine the compatibility of these drugs in pre-conception, during pregnancy and post-partum period.

METHOD

Databases including; EMBASE, Pubmed (MEDLINE), and Cochrane were searched up to 23rd October 2020 to find relevant peer-reviewed papers, using keywords including; rheumatic disease, pregnancy, conception/pre-conception, lactation/breastfeeding, childhood and vaccination/infection, and commonly prescribed non-TNFi drugs and tsDMARDs.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 1483 papers that were screened independently by two authors, and 109 full-text papers were eligible for final analysis. These studies reported 1291 maternal pregnancies exposed to non-TNFi bDMARDs and tsDMARDs with known outcomes, including 721 live births, 219 spontaneous miscarriages and 27 congenital abnormalities. Paternal exposures in 174 pregnancies had reassuring outcomes. A total of 48 breast-fed infants were exposed to non-TNFi bDMARDs and no adverse events reported upon long-term follow-up. Fifteen infants exposed to bDMARDs received normal vaccination regimes, including live vaccines, and had normal developmental outcomes, without any complications or infections.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings are reassuring and do not suggest a cause for any major concerns or an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for maternal or paternal exposures to non-TNFi bDMARDs or tsDMARDs. There were no major concerns for breastfeeding exposures to non-TNFi bDMARDs.

Differences in the placental pharmacokinetics of vedolizumab and ustekinumab during pregnancy in women with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Vedolizumab demonstrated different placental pharmacokinetics than other immunoglobulin G1 antibodies, leading to lower drug levels in cord blood in contrast to maternal blood at the time of delivery. The placental transfer of ustekinumab seems to have a pattern similar to anti-tumour necrosis factor agents. Current evidence on the placental pharmacokinetics of vedolizumab and ustekinumab is limited. We aimed to assess the placental transfer of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in pregnant patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

Consecutive women from a prospective observational study who were exposed to ustekinumab or vedolizumab within 2 months prior to conception or during pregnancy were included. Ustekinumab and vedolizumab levels were measured in maternal and cord blood at the time of delivery.

RESULTS

Drug levels were available in 31 infant-mother pairs (15 exposed to ustekinumab and 16 to vedolizumab). The median maternal and newborn ustekinumab levels were 5.3 mg/l and 10.3 mg/l, respectively (the median infant-to-maternal ratio was 1.7), while the median maternal and cord vedolizumab levels were 7.3 mg/l and 4.5 mg/l (the median infant-to-maternal ratio was 0.66). The ustekinumab levels in cord blood positively correlated with the maternal levels at delivery (ρ = 0.751, p = 0.001). However, no correlation with the timing of the last drug administration was found. In contrast, the vedolizumab levels in cord blood demonstrated significant positive correlation with the maternal levels (ρ = 0.831, p < 0.001) along with the gestational week of the last infusion (ρ = 0.736, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Vedolizumab demonstrated different placental pharmacokinetics, leading to lower drug levels in cord blood compared to maternal blood at delivery; in contrast, the placental transfer of ustekinumab seems to have a pattern similar to anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents.

Shared decision making in pregnancy in inflammatory bowel disease: design of a patient orientated decision aid

Background

Research has indicated a lack of disease-specific reproductive knowledge among patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and this has been associated with increased “voluntary childlessness”. Furthermore, a lack of knowledge may contribute to inappropriate medication changes during or after pregnancy. Decision aids have been shown to support decision making in pregnancy as well as in multiple other chronic diseases. A published decision aid for pregnancy in IBD has not been identified, despite the benefit of pre-conception counselling and patient desire for a decision support tool. This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of a decision aid encompassing reproductive decisions in the setting of IBD.

Methods

The International Patient Decision Aid Standards were implemented in the development of the Pregnancy in IBD Decision Aid (PIDA). A multi-disciplinary steering committee was formed. Patient and clinician focus groups were conducted to explore themes of importance in the reproductive decision-making processes in IBD. A PIDA prototype was designed; patient interviews were conducted to obtain further insight into patient perspectives and to test the prototype for feasibility.

Results

Issues considered of importance to patients and clinicians encountering decisions regarding pregnancy in the setting of IBD included fertility, conception timing, inheritance, medications, infant health, impact of surgery, contraception, nutrition and breastfeeding. Emphasis was placed on the provision of preconception counselling early in the disease course. Decisions relating to conception and medications were chosen as the current focus of PIDA, however content inclusion was broad to support use across preconception, pregnancy and post-partum phases. Favourable and constructive user feedback was received.

Conclusions

The novel development of a decision aid for use in pregnancy and IBD was supported by initial user testing.

The use of biological agents in pregnant women affected by autoimmune disorders: Why we need more research of this neglected area

Women of childbearing age are largely affected by several autoimmune disorders (the estimates range between 1.5 and 10 per 10,000). The increasing number of effective biological agents has dramatically revolutionized the treatment of these clinical conditions, ameliorating the patient's quality of life. The use of these agents by women during pregnancy is growing to ensure the disease activity control and avoid adverse health outcomes. However, for many newer biological agents, the degree of information concerning their use in pregnancy is often incomplete to perform a conclusive risk assessment on fetal and maternal health given the exclusion of this specific population from pharmacological clinical trials. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has confirmed the unacceptable inequities of pharmacological research and medical treatment for pregnant and lactating women, exacerbating the need for filling the gaps of quantitative and qualitative pharmacology data in this sensitive population. ere we summarize (i) what is already known about safety and effectiveness of biological agents in this understudied population (with specific focus on pregnancy-related health outcomes), and what we are going to learn from the on-going studies among pregnant women treated with biological agents; (ii) the methodological and ethical considerations that characterize the pharmacological research in pregnancy, also discussing emerging evidence on the use of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in this clinical setting.

The safety of drugs for inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy and breastfeeding: the DUMBO registry study protocol of GETECCU

BACKGROUND

Active disease during conception and pregnancy in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse neonatal outcomes. The use of IBD treatments during pregnancy should be weighed against their adverse effects on the neonate, but longer-term safety data and data on serious infection rates and malignancies postnatally are lacking, particularly for newer drugs, such as tofacitinib, vedolizumab and ustekinumab.

METHODS

This ongoing, prospective registry study being conducted at 70 centres in Spain is enrolling pregnant women who are ⩾18 years, are at any point in pregnancy up to the end of the second trimester and have a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or unclassified IBD. Patients will receive treatment decided independently by their IBD specialist. Each incident gestation will be followed up through pregnancy and the first 4 years postnatally. Three cohorts will be compared: biologicals exposed, immunomodulatory exposed and non-exposed. The primary endpoint is the risk of severe infection in newborns postnatally up to 4 years of age; other endpoints include serious adverse events (SAEs) such as pregnancy and delivery complications, neonatal SAEs, development [Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ3)], and malignancy incidence, up to 4 years of age. IBD specialists will collect maternal data (baseline/end of each trimester/1 month post-delivery), neonatal birth data, and the SAE and ASQ3 data in children exposed during pregnancy, reported every 3 months by the mother. Statistical analysis will include summary statistics for quantitative variables, comparisons of qualitative variables with significance set at p < 0.025 and a binary logistic regression model to determine the risk factors for severe infections.

RESULTS

Enrolment began in September 2019 and study completion is expected in September 2028.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective, controlled study will provide evidence on the long-term safety profile in children after intrauterine and lactation exposure to biological and immunomodulatory IBD treatments, including data on postnatal severe infections, development and malignancies.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03894228.

Biologics and small molecules in the management of psoriatic arthritis: Reproduction related issues in female and male patients

STRACTBackground: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is the musculoskeletal manifestation of psoriatic disease, an inflammatory systemic disease with a high incidence in the reproductive years. Biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as well as 'small molecules', are increasingly used to treat subtypes of PsA. Safety concerns exist in the field of fertility for PsA patients since the literature shows discordant results toward the influence of anti-psoriatic drugs.Areas covered: This comprehensive review critically reviews the available data on the safety of biologics and small molecules in PsA including pregnancy and lactation and men who want to father a child. TNF inhibitors (TNFi) are best studied in relation to reproduction. For other biologics and small molecules, no prospective, controlled studies are available.Expert opinion: No contraindications appear for TNFi in pregnancy, lactation, and paternal exposure. For biologics other than TNFi and small molecules, prospective controlled studies on outcomes after exposure in early and late pregnancy are urgently needed. Potential effects of all biologics on immune function, infection rates, and vaccine responses in prenatally exposed children need to be expanded. Until more data become available, small molecules should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. More reproduction-related data are expected from various national and international registries in the future.

A safety review of biologic therapies for the management of hidradenitis suppurativa and unmet needs

INTRODUCTION

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating inflammatory skin disorder characterized by nodules, abscesses, fistulae, and significant scarring in intertriginous areas rich in apocrine glands. Immunomodulator drugs, including biologics, are a mainstay of treatment for this disease.

AREAS COVERED

This review details the safety profiles of various biologic therapies currently available commercially that have been tried for HS as assessed in clinical trials and observational studies. As the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for the treatment of moderate-to-severe HS, adalimumab is discussed in the most detail. Additional biologic medications, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors, interleukin 1 (IL-1) inhibitors, IL-12 and IL-23 inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, and IL-23 inhibitors, are discussed as well. Safety concerns in special populations, including pregnant women and children, are outlined.

EXPERT OPINION

Existing data support excellent short-term and long-term safety profiles for adalimumab, although caution must be taken with use in high-risk patient populations, including those with chronic infections or increased risk of malignancy. Based on their safety data for other indications, additional biologic agents appear safe in HS as well. However, further research is needed to fully understand the safety profiles of these medications in the HS population.

Safety of New Biologics (Vedolizumab and Ustekinumab) and Small Molecules (Tofacitinib) During Pregnancy: A Review

Two new biological drugs (vedolizumab and ustekinumab) and one small molecule (tofacitinib) have been recently approved for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, we must be familiar with the safety of these "new" drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In the present article, we critically review available data on the safety of new biologics (vedolizumab and ustekinumab) and small molecules (tofacitinib) during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with special focus on women with inflammatory bowel disease. Bibliographical searches (MEDLINE) up to April 2020 were performed. The timing and mechanisms of placental transfer of vedolizumab and ustekinumab are expected to be similar to anti-TNF agents. Animal studies show no evidence of adverse effects on pre- or post-natal development after administration of vedolizumab and ustekinumab. Just a few studies including patients treated with vedolizumab or ustekinumab during pregnancy have been published, reporting uneventful pregnancies in most cases. The clinical programme of both drugs and post-marketing studies showed no new safety concerns. Due to the expected safety of vedolizumab and ustekinumab during pregnancy, it may be recommended to plan the final pregnancy dose approximately 8 or 12 weeks, respectively, before the estimated date of delivery. Live vaccines should be avoided for up to a year in children exposed in utero to vedolizumab or ustekinumab unless drug elimination has been documented. Miniscule amounts of vedolizumab and ustekinumab are transferred to breast milk, so breastfeeding is probably safe. There is no evidence of adverse effect of vedolizumab or ustekinumab paternal exposure. Regarding tofacitinib, it is reasonable to assume that this molecule crosses the placenta from the beginning of pregnancy. In animal studies, tofacitinib was feticidal and teratogenic in rats and rabbits, although at exposures many times greater than the standard human dose. Reported outcomes of pregnancy cases identified from tofacitinib randomised controlled trials, post-approval and non-interventional studies, and spontaneous adverse-event reporting appear similar to those observed in the general population. Nevertheless, at present, the use of tofacitinib during pregnancy should be avoided. Although no human studies have reported outcomes of breastfeeding with small molecules such as tofacitinib, this drug is present in lactating rat milk so, at present, breastfeeding should be avoided. Pregnancy among patients with paternal exposure to tofacitinib appears to be safe. In summary, we can conclude that new biologic agents (vedolizumab and ustekinumab) and small molecules (tofacitinib) should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the mother and unborn child.

Biologics During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Among Women With Rheumatic Diseases: Safety Clinical Evidence on the Road

Females are generally more affected by autoimmune diseases, a fact that underlines the relationship with pregnancy and the safety of anti-rheumatic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Biologic therapies are increasingly prescribed to treat and maintain remission in a significant number of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The experience with the use of biologics during gestation is extremely lacking because of the observational nature of the available studies and the difficulty in designing proper clinical trials in pregnancy. Among the studied biologics, more information was published on TNFα inhibitors and, in particular, on their potential passage through the placenta and impact on the fetus. Currently, a fragment of anti-TNFα monoclonal IgG, certolizumab pegol, is considered safe with almost no placental transfer. Subsequent observations are suggesting a comparable safety for the soluble TNFα receptor etanercept. Another biologic, eculizumab, the anti-C5a antibody used to treat complement-mediated microangiopathies, is also considered safe due to the unique engineered IgG2/4κ formulation that limits its passage through the placental barrier. Still, long-term data about children born to women treated with biologics in pregnancy are not attainable. Data on breastfeeding are currently available for several biologics. This article reviews the literature available about which drugs are considered safe during pregnancy and lactation, which are not, and on future prospects.

Use of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Introduction: The peak age of diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs during childbearing years, therefore management of IBD during pregnancy is a frequent occurrence. Maintenance of disease remission is crucial to optimize pregnancy outcomes, and potential maternal or fetal toxicity from medications must be balanced against the risks of untreated IBD.Areas covered: This review summarizes the literature on safety and use of medications for IBD during pregnancy and lactation.Expert opinion: 5-aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and thiopurines are safe for use during pregnancy, while methotrexate and tofacitinib should only be used with extreme caution. Anti-TNF agents (except certolizumab), vedolizumab, ustekinumab and tofacitinib readily traverse the placenta via active transport, therefore theoretically may affect fetal development. Certolizumab only undergoes passive transfer across the placenta, thus has markedly lower cord blood levels making it likely the safest biologic agent for infants. There is reasonable evidence to support the safety of anti-TNF monotherapy and combination therapy during pregnancy and lactation. Vedolizumab and ustekinumab are also thought to be safe in pregnancy and lactation, while tofacitinib is generally avoided due to teratogenic effects in animal studies.

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.

Use of biologic therapies for psoriasis during pregnancy and long-term outcomes of exposed children: A 14-year real-life experience at a tertiary center in Turkey and review of the literature

Data regarding the use of biologic therapies for psoriasis during pregnancy are scarce with even more limited knowledge about the long-term safety of in utero exposure. We retrospectively evaluated nine pregnancies in six women with psoriasis who were exposed to biologic therapies between 2006 and 2019 in our psoriasis clinic, a tertiary referral center in Turkey. Pregnancy outcomes included the delivery of seven healthy babies without any complications, one elective abortion, and one ectopic pregnancy. All exposed children, aged between 14 months and 13 years (median age: 4.0 years), showed normal growth and neuropsychological development without immunodeficiencies, allergies, malignancies or other diseases. Based on up-to-date collective data in the literature and our real-life clinical experience presented here, exposure to biologic therapies during pregnancy for psoriasis does not seem to be associated with adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes. Our results are also reassuring with respect to long-term outcomes of exposed children, but need to be confirmed through further large prospective studies. Nevertheless, use of biologic therapies during late pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester, should be reserved for high-need patients with psoriasis and definitely requires a delicate risk/benefit balance on a case-by-case basis.

Intrauterine Exposure to Biologics in Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory autoimmune diseases are chronic diseases that often affect women of childbearing age. Therefore, detailed knowledge of the safety profile of medications used for management of inflammatory autoimmune diseases during pregnancy is important. However, in many cases the potential harmful effects of medications (especially biologics) during pregnancy (and lactation) on mother and child have not been fully identified.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to update the data on the occurrence of miscarriages and (major) congenital malformations when using biologics during pregnancy based on newly published articles. Additionally, we selected several different secondary outcomes that may be of interest for clinicians, especially information on adverse events in the use of a specific biologic during pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A search was conducted from 1 January 2015 until 4 July 2019 in Embase.com, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar with specific search terms for each database. Selection of publications was based on title/abstract and followed by full text (double blinded, two researchers). An overview was made based on outcomes of interest. References of the included publications were reviewed to include and minimize the missing publications.

RESULTS

A total of 143 publications were included. The total number of cases ranged from nine for canakinumab to 4276 for infliximab. The rates of miscarriages and major congenital malformations did not show relevant differences from those rates in the general population.

CONCLUSION

Despite limitations to our study, no major safety issues were reported and no trend could be identified in the reported malformations.

The exposure to biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in pregnancy and lactation

Chronic inflammatory diseases often affect women of childbearing age. Since biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs and tsDMARDs) are more available, their use during conception, pregnancy and lactation has become a matter of concern. Current studies prove the safety of innovative therapy in pregnant women and may contribute to its wider use than before in pregnancy and lactation. It mainly concerns tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitors. We searched PubMed using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and identified relevant studies and guidelines. We present up-to-date knowledge of bDMARDs and tsDMARDs safety in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Biologic therapies for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disorder characterized by inflammatory nodules, abscesses, and fistulae. Patients tend to present in young adulthood and are predominantly female. The pathogenesis of HS involves apopilosebaceous gland follicle occlusion and affected areas often occur where this type of gland predominates. Treatment selection depends on HS severity, which is included in different scoring systems. In recent years, biological therapies have been evaluated and used with increasing frequency in moderate-to-severe HS disease.Areas covered: This review focuses on biological therapies for HS as assessed in case reports, case series, and clinical trials. The efficacy, hidradenitis suppurativa scoring systems, and long-term results of these therapies are discussed depending on the studies' endpoints.Expert opinion: Adalimumab is currently the only FDA-approved HS biological therapy. Some patients do not experience treatment efficacy with adalimumab at 40 mg/week, which may result in increasing the dose or seeking other treatments. Infliximab is the next line of HS treatment with demonstrated efficacy. Other biological therapies being studied have demonstrated efficacy in small patient groups, but lack study power. Further studies may provide answers to seeking treatment options for patients who fail to improve on current standard HS treatment.

Effect of biologicals and JAK inhibitors during pregnancy on health-related outcomes in children of women with inflammatory bowel disease

Current guidelines advise to maintain immunomodulators and biologicals in pregnant patients because relapse of inflammatory bowel is associated with unfavourable pregnancy outcome. With the exception of Methotrexate, IBD therapy seems not to be related to an increase of congenital malformations or infections requiring hospitalisation of the babies, although the effect the on the developing immune system of the exposed infants remains unknown. In this review we will focus on the effect of IBD drugs on health-related outcomes in children taking into account possible long-term effects of biologicals and immunomodulators, which are transferred across the placenta.

Effectiveness and safety of Ustekinumab for Crohn's disease; systematic review and pooled analysis of real-world evidence

BACKGROUND

Ustekinumab [UST] is effective in Crohn's disease (CD) in the UNITI studies. Several real-world experience (RWE) studies with UST have been published to date. Our aim was to summarize the available RWE data for UST effectiveness and safety.

METHODS

A systematic review of the available RWE studies of UST for CD and pooled analysis of the available effectiveness and safety data was performed.

RESULTS

Eight relevant studies of 6 RWE were included for analysis. Data from 578 patients were pooled for analysis. Most patients (97.7%) were anti-TNF experienced. Pooled clinical response rate was 60%, 62%, 49% at 12, 24 and 52 weeks respectively (95% CI (0.42-0.77), (0.48-0.75), (0.37-0.62)). Pooled remission rate was 39% (95% CI (0.18-0.65)) at 24 weeks and pooled endoscopic response rate was 63% (95% CI (0.53-0.72)) after approximately one year of UST; 134 adverse events (AE) were reported in total, pooled proportion 21% (95% CI (0.12-0.35)). Serious AE were reported in 19 patients, pooled proportion 5% (95% CI (0.03-0.08)). Infections were reported in 38, pooled proportion 6% (95% CI (0.04-0.11)).

CONCLUSION

Pooled analysis of the RWE data suggests that the real-world effectiveness and safety are comparable to that reported in the randomized control trials.

Inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy: management of a disease flare or remission

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Roughly half of the nearly 1.6 million people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are women of reproductive age. Caring for women with IBD who are also pregnant can be challenging, particularly if with a disease flare or in remission, as there are special considerations needed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite older studies concluding potential risks associated with IBD medical therapies, more recent literature reports healthier maternal and birth outcomes associated with disease control and reduction in the inflammatory burden. Most IBD therapies should generally be continued throughout all three trimesters without interruption as this is associated with better outcomes.

SUMMARY

Active IBD increases risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Most medications have a favorable safety profile for use during pregnancy, regardless if in disease flare or remission. Short course corticosteroids for induction and management of flare is permitted. Thiopurines should not be started during pregnancy for a disease flare, but may be continued during pregnancy if previously on monotherapy. Biologics should be continued throughout pregnancy without interruption and timing of third trimester dosing made based on drug levels and estimated date of delivery. Risks/benefit assessment of therapies and disease control is important and should be individualized.

The use of biologics for autoimmune rheumatic diseases in fertility and pregnancy

In an age where autoimmune rheumatic diseases are successfully managed with biologics, their discontinuation in pregnancy is inadvisable without careful forethought; maternal disease activity is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, which has long-term implications for both mother and offspring. We aim to provide clinicians with the necessary tools to facilitate decision-making - when a biologic should be used, when it can be discontinued in pregnancy if appropriate. The pathophysiology of these biologic molecules and their effect on fertility, pregnancy and parturition are discussed. A summary of the 2016 international guidelines (European League Against Rheumatism and British Society in Rheumatology) on biologics in pregnancy has been tabulated; more recent publications are discussed in depth. Data on transplacental-transfer ratios and breastmilk excretion rates are also included. Biologic effects on organogenesis, their implications for the exposed infant in terms of infection risks and vaccination requirements are included, and future directions for research proposed.

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.

Drug Levels in the Maternal Serum, Cord Blood and Breast Milk of a Ustekinumab-Treated Patient with Crohn's Disease

Ustekinumab [UST] therapy during pregnancy has not yet been extensively evaluated in patients with Crohn's disease. Here, we present the case of a 24-year-old woman with therapy-refractory Crohn's disease, who was treated with UST until Week 30 of pregnancy and successfully delivered a healthy baby boy, who had normal development in the follow-up period of one year. The cord blood UST level was markedly higher than the measured maternal serum drug level. The trough level in the breast milk after re-initiating postpartum UST therapy was initially in the same range as the corresponding serum trough level, and then decreased during maintenance therapy. This is one of the first reports describing the drug levels in the breast milk after re-initiating UST treatment in a Crohn's disease patient.

From mother to baby: antenatal exposure to monoclonal antibody biologics

INTRODUCTION

More women with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions are being treated with monoclonal antibody biologics (mAbs) during their pregnancy, to maintain clinical remission. The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha agents in pregnancy appears to be safe but less is known regarding other mAbs, such as anti-integrins and anti-cytokine agents. There are currently no comprehensive guidelines on how to manage the exposed infants. Areas covered: We review recent literature to assess the impact of mAbs on birth and early infant outcomes, including what is currently known about maternal and infant drug levels at birth and drug clearance in the infant. We describe the potential risks of infections and reported hematological and immunological effects of antenatal mAbs exposure on the infant and provide guidance on the management of the exposed infant. Expert opinion: Exposed infants should be monitored closely. Certain mAb exposures require specific testing and management. Safety monitoring should be done in a multidisciplinary approach and should include pediatric care providers. The current clinical experience with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents in pregnancy cannot be extrapolated to other mAbs. Long-term observational studies and a multicenter international registry are needed to better appreciate the impact of exposure, especially to newer mAbs.

Use of synthetic and biologic DMARDs during pregnancy

Introduction: Since most of the autoimmune diseases (AID) affect mostly women in their fertile years, and fertility is in general preserved, the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) during conception, pregnancy, and lactation has been a matter of concern in the treatment of women affected by AID. Areas covered: We performed a comprehensive review of the latest and most relevant research papers published in the field and discussed different aspects related to the use of synthetic and biologic DMARDs and immunosuppressants in the preconceptional period, during pregnancy and lactation in AID patients, both in males and females. Expert commentary: Active AID impose an increased risk for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Family planning with proper contraception and shared decision-making on the ideal time to conceive with treatment adjustment must be a rule. One of the main challenges when counseling and/or adjusting treatment of patients that are planning a pregnancy is to provide a medication that is at the same time efficacious and safe at the conceptional period and to developing the fetus.

The use of biologics and small molecules in pregnant patients with rheumatic diseases

INTRODUCTION

Biological agents have radically changed the prognosis of rheumatic patients. Current evidence demonstrates that tight disease control during pregnancy is mandatory to minimize adverse outcome risk. As the new therapeutic tools are pivotal to maintain appropriate disease activity, it is timely to review available evidence about the safety of biologics and small molecules in pregnancy. Areas covered: A comprehensive literature review has been performed, reporting available data about the passage into breast milk, rate of pregnancy loss and fetal malformations, and long-term complications due to in utero exposure to biological agents and small molecules. Expert commentary: Data about the safety of agents against tumor necrosis factor in pregnancy are reassuring. Even rituximab, tocilizumab, belimumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, and abatacept have not been associated with an increased rate of fetal abnormalities or adverse pregnancy outcome. Experience with small molecules is too small to draw any conclusion. Even if further data are warranted to define the possible long-term effects of in utero biologic exposure on the infant immune system development, it is reasonable to speculate that in the next future the use of biologics during pregnancy will continue to expand, at least when maternal benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease: the effects of biologicals on pregnancy, outcome of infants, and the developing immune system

Relapse of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during conception and pregnancy has been associated with a negative pregnancy outcome. Therefore, it is advised to maintain drugs in order to prevent relapse. The effect of drugs, which cross the placenta, on children who have been exposed during pregnancy will be discussed in this review. Areas covered: A literature search was performed using the following search terms: inflammatory bowel disease, pregnancy, infant, antitumor necrosis factor alpha, infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, certolizumab, anti-integrins, vedolizumab, anti-interleukin (IL)-12/23 ustekinumab, placenta, vaccination. Other studies were identified by using references from articles identified through our original literature search. The occurrence of unfavorable pregnancy outcome and congenital malformations does not seem to be increased after exposure to anti-TNFα, but the effects on the developing immune system are largely unknown. For anti-integrins and anti IL-12/23, the numbers of exposed pregnancies are too small to draw any conclusions. Expert commentary: Follow-up of the developing immune system in children exposed to these drugs seems warranted, preferably in a prospective study design.

Psoriasis in pregnancy: case series and literature review of data concerning exposure during pregnancy to ustekinumab

Psoriasis tends to improve for approximately half of patients during pregnancy, but an equal number of patients report no change or worsening during this period, when lots of medications, like biologics, are not indicated. The aim of our study was to review data of patient that had been pregnant during ustekinumab treatment, analyzing data of our data set between September 2010 and February 2018. We found data of three patients that had been pregnant during ustekinumab treatment. All three patients successfully completed the pregnancy without complications. One of the three patients was pregnant even twice during treatment with ustekinumab, with also a successful birth of two perfectly healthy twins. Biologic agents approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis are currently classified as pregnancy category B, even if, particularly for ustekinumab, there are several case reports regarding exposure during pregnancy in humans related to a healthy pregnancy, both for women and children. Although further studies are required to find real indication of biological treatment in pregnant patients, according to our and to the reviewed experience, ustekinumab does not interfere with gestation.