Risk Factors for Postpartum Disease Activity in Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Appropriate Preconception Corticosteroid-Free Remission Period in Pregnant Women With Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

In women with inflammatory bowel disease, at least 3 months of preconception corticosteroid-free remission (CFREM) is recommended by experts in current consensus statements. However, data are lacking on the appropriate preconception remission period. We investigated the appropriate preconception CFREM period in women with ulcerative colitis to reduce maternal disease activity and adverse pregnancy outcomes (ie, preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age).

METHODS

We retrospectively examined 141 pregnancies in women with ulcerative colitis at 2 institutions. We categorized the patients into 3 subgroups by their preconception CFREM period (≥3 months, >0 to <3 months, and non-CFREM). We also investigated disease activity during pregnancy and postpartum and adverse pregnancy outcomes in each group.

RESULTS

During pregnancy, the rate of active disease was significantly lower in the ≥3 months and >0 to <3 months CFREM groups compared with that in the non-CFREM group (P < .001 and P = .0257, respectively). Postpartum, the rate of active disease was significantly lower in the ≥3 months CFREM group compared with that in the non-CFREM group (P = .0087). The preconception CFREM period of ≥3 months was an independent inhibitory factor for active disease during pregnancy and postpartum (adjusted odds ratio, 0.15; P = .0035; and adjusted odds ratio, 0.33; P = .027, respectively). Adverse pregnancy outcomes were less common in the >3 months CFREM group compared with those in the other groups, but this difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

A preconception CFREM period of more than 3 months may be appropriate for better maternal and adverse pregnancy outcomes, as recommended in consensus statements.

De-escalation of Biologic Treatment in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comprehensive Review

INTRODUCTION

Biologic therapy is an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. However due to cost and safety concerns, dose de-escalation strategies after achieving remission have been suggested.

AIM

To critically review available data on dose de-escalation of biologics [or other advanced therapies] in IBD. We will focus on studies evaluating de-escalation to standard dosing in patients initially optimised, and also on studies assessing de-escalation from standard dosing.

METHODS

A systematic bibliographic search was performed.

RESULTS

The mean frequency of de-escalation after previous dose intensification [12 studies, 1,474 patients] was 34%. The corresponding frequency of de-escalation from standard dosing [five studies, 3,842 patients] was 4.2%. The relapse rate of IBD following anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] de-escalation to standard dosing in patients initially dose-escalated [10 studies, 301 patients] was 30%. The corresponding relapse rate following anti-TNF de-escalation from standard dosing [nine studies, 494 patients] was 38%. The risk of relapse was lower for patients in clinical, biologic, and endoscopic/radiological remission at the time of de-escalation. A role of anti-TNF therapeutic drug monitoring in the decision to dose de-escalate has been demonstrated. In patients relapsing after de-escalation, re-escalation is generally effective. De-escalation is not consistently associated with a better safety profile. The cost-effectiveness of the de-escalation strategy remains uncertain. Finally, there is not enough evidence to recommend dose de-escalation of biologics different from anti-TNFs or small molecules.

CONCLUSIONS

Any consideration for de-escalation of biologic therapy in IBD must be tailored, taking into account the risks and consequences of a flare and patients' preferences.

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.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Breastfeeding: A Narrative Review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently affects women of childbearing age who may consider breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding has numerous benefits, there remain concerns regarding the safety of breastfeeding among women with IBD. Breastfeeding is important in developing the immune system of infants and has been shown to protect against the development of IBD. The risk of developing an increase in disease activity postpartum is the same regardless of breastfeeding status. Most IBD medications are also considered safe in breastfeeding and have no major risks to infants. Despite this, breastfeeding rates remain low among women with IBD, mostly due to concerns about the safety of IBD therapy with breastfeeding. Many women self-discontinue their IBD medications to breastfeed, and there is often uncertainty among health professionals to make recommendations about therapy. Dedicated IBD clinics can greatly support mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding periods to enhance their knowledge, optimize their medication adherence, and improve their postpartum outcomes. This review aims to provide the most recent evidence-based literature regarding the safety of breastfeeding in women with IBD and the current recommendations about medical therapies with breastfeeding.

The mode of delivery does not influence the occurrence of post-partum perianal disease flares in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Perianal disease occurs in up to 34% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. An estimated 25% of women will become pregnant after the initial diagnosis, thus introducing the dilemma of whether mode of delivery affects perianal disease. The aim of our study was to analyze whether a cesarean section (C-section) or vaginal delivery influence perianal involvement. We hypothesized the delivery route would not alter post-partum perianal manifestations in the setting of previously healed perianal disease.

METHODS

All consecutive eligible IBD female patients between 1997 and 2022 who delivered were included. Prior perianal involvement, perianal flare after delivery and delivery method were noted.

RESULTS

We identified 190 patients with IBD who had a total of 322 deliveries; 169 (52%) were vaginal and 153 (48%) were by C-section. Nineteen women (10%) experienced 21/322 (6%) post-partum perianal flares. Independent predictors were previous abdominal surgery for IBD (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1-7.2; p = 0.042), ileocolonic involvement (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.1-9.4; p = 0.030), previous perianal disease (OR, 22; 95% CI, 7-69; p < 0.001), active perianal disease (OR, 96; 95% CI, 21-446; p < 0.001) and biologic (OR, 4.4; 95% CI,1.4-13.6; p < 0.011) or antibiotic (OR, 19.6; 95% CI, 7-54; p < 0.001) treatment. Negative association was found for vaginal delivery (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06-0.61; p < 0.005). Number of post-partum flares was higher in the C-section group [17 (11%) vs. 4 (2%), p = 0.002].

CONCLUSIONS

Delivery by C-section section was not protective of ongoing perianal disease activity post-delivery, but should be recommended for women with active perianal involvement.

Differences in Healthcare Utilization in Women with and without Inflammatory Bowel Diseases During Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Compared to those without inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], women with IBD may have increased healthcare utilization during pregnancy and postpartum, though this remains to be confirmed. We aimed to characterize this healthcare use between these groups.

METHODS

Administrative databases were accessed to identify women [aged 18-55 years] with and without IBD who had a live, singleton pregnancy between 2003 and 2018. Differences in emergency department [ED] visits, hospitalizations and prenatal care during 12 months preconception, pregnancy and 12 months postpartum were characterized. Multivariable negative binomial regression was performed to report incidence rate ratios [IRRs] with 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]. Covariates included maternal age at conception, location of residence, socioeconomic status and maternal comorbidity.

RESULTS

In total, 6163 women with IBD [9158 pregnancies] and 1091 013 women without IBD [1729 411 pregnancies] were included. Women with IBD were more likely to visit the ED [IRR 1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.18] and be hospitalized [IRR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.21] during pregnancy, and visit the ED [IRR 1.21, 95% CI 1.15-1.27] and be hospitalized [IRR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05-1.32] during postpartum. On unadjusted analysis, women with IBD were more likely to be hospitalized for venous thromboembolic events. There was no difference in healthcare use in preconception. Finally, women with IBD also had a greater number of prenatal visits during pregnancy and were more likely to receive a first-trimester prenatal visit.

CONCLUSION

Women with IBD have increased healthcare utilization during pregnancy and postpartum. Efforts should be made to increase ambulatory care access during this period, which in turn may reduce this health-services utilization.

Pregnancy and medications for inflammatory bowel disease: An updated narrative review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often diagnosed during the peak reproductive years of young women. Women with active IBD around conception are at a significantly increased risk of disease relapse during pregnancy, which is associated with poor pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Given these substantial risks, it is prudent that disease remission should ideally be achieved before conception. Unfortunately, some patients may experience a disease flare-up even if they are in a state of remission before pregnancy. Patients must continue their IBD medications to reduce the risk of disease flare and subsequent poor outcomes during the gestational and postpartum periods. When treating IBD flare-ups during pregnancy, the management is quite similar to the therapeutic approach for non-pregnant patients with IBD, including 5-aminosalicylate, steroids, calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), and biologic therapies. While the data regarding the safety of CNIs in pregnant women with IBD is limited, the findings in our recent meta-analysis suggest that CNIs may be safer to use in those with IBD than in solid organ transplant recipients. There are several types of biologics and small-molecule therapies currently approved for IBD, and physicians should thoroughly understand their clinical benefits and safety profiles when utilizing these treatments in the context of pregnancy. This review highlights recent studies, including our systematic review and meta-analysis, and discusses the clinical advantages and safety considerations of biologics and small molecules for pregnant women with IBD.

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.

Clinical advances: pregnancy in gastroenterologic and hepatic conditions

The fields of gastroenterology and hepatology, along with endoscopic practice, have seen significant changes and innovations to practice in just the past few years. These practice changes are not limited to gastroenterology, but maternal fetal medicine and the care of the pregnant person have become increasingly more sophisticated as well. Gastroenterologists are frequently called on to provide consultative input and/or perform endoscopy during pregnancy. To be able to provide the best possible care to these patients, gastroenterologists need to be aware of (and familiar with) the various nuances and caveats related to the care of pregnant patients who either have underlying gastrointestinal (GI) conditions or present with GI and liver disorders. Here, we offer a clinical update with references more recent than 2018, along with a few words about SARS-CoV-2 infection and its relevance to pregnancy.

Obstetric Considerations in Pregnant Women with Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease affects many women of childbearing age. Fecundity rates are often lower than in the general population due to reduced fertility during active inflammation, effects of pelvic surgery or voluntary childlessness. Many women have concerns regarding the effects of pregnancy on their Crohn's, any potential effect of medication on the fetus, and passing on Crohn's disease to the offspring. International guidelines on reproduction for women with Crohn's disease provide evidence-based advice to patients and health care professionals. There is an increasing literature on the safety of advanced medication for Crohn's disease during pregnancy. This review article therefore focuses on obstetric considerations beyond medication safety. We provide information on fertility, factors affecting pregnancy and fetal outcomes, obstetric complications, factors influencing mode of delivery, management of intestinal stomas during pregnancy and general considerations around breast feeding.