Inflammatory bowel disease and pregnancy: an update

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Following Exposure to Biologics in Women With Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Crohn's disease is a chronic disease, which commonly affects women during their reproductive years. Poorly treated Crohn's disease is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Biologics, a group of therapeutic drugs targeting inflammatory mediators including anti-TNF, anti-integrins and anti-interleukins, are increasingly used in pregnant women with Crohn's disease, exposing both the women and their fetuses to treatment-related complications. At present, it is unclear which biologics are more superior. This study performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with Crohn's disease after exposure to biologics. Bibliographic databases were searched from inception to May 2021. The outcomes of interest were preterm delivery, low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, and congenital abnormalities. A total of 11 studies comprised of 1,875 pregnancies among women with Crohn's disease were included. Of these, 1,162 received biologics and 713 received non-biologic therapy. During the remission phase of the disease, the use of biological therapy increased the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, of which anti-integrins were associated with a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes than anti-TNF and anti-interleukins. Systematic Review Registration: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020191275.

Benefits and Risks of IgG Transplacental Transfer

Maternal passage of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is an important passive mechanism for protecting the infant while the neonatal immune system is still immature and ineffective. IgG is the only antibody class capable of crossing the histological layers of the placenta by attaching to the neonatal Fc receptor expressed at the level of syncytiotrophoblasts, and it offers protection against neonatal infectious pathogens. In pregnant women with autoimmune or alloimmune disorders, or in those requiring certain types of biological therapy, transplacental passage of abnormal antibodies may cause fetal or neonatal harm. In this review, we will discuss the physiological mechanisms and benefits of transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies as well as pathological maternal situations where this system is hijacked, potentially leading to adverse neonatal outcomes.

Exacerbations of autoimmune diseases during pregnancy and postpartum

Autoimmune diseases represent a complex heterogeneous group of disorders that occur as a results of immune homeostasis dysregulation and loss of self-tolerance. Interestingly, more than 80% of the cases are found among women at reproductive age. Normal pregnancy is associated with remarkable changes in the immune and endocrine signaling required to tolerate and support the development and survival of the placenta and the semi-allogenic fetus in the hostile maternal immune system environment. Gravidity and postpartum represent an extremely challenge period, and likewise the general population, women suffering from autoimmune disorders attempt pregnancy. Effective preconception counseling and subsequent gestation and postpartum follow-up are crucial for improving mother and child outcomes. This comprehensive review provides information about the different pathways modulating autoimmune diseases activity and severity, such as the influence hormones, microbiome, infections, vaccines, among others, as well as updated recommendations were needed, in order to offer those women better medical care and life quality.

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.

When Your Pregnancy Echoes Your Illness: Transition to Motherhood With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Our aim is to provide an understanding of the experience of women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who have made the transition to motherhood. A total of 22 mothers with IBD were recruited from around the United Kingdom. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. The central concept- Blurred Lines-offers a novel frame for understanding the transition to motherhood with IBD through identifying parallels between having IBD and becoming, and being, a mother. Parallels clustered into three main themes: Need for Readiness, Lifestyle Changes, and Monitoring Personal and Physical Development. Hence, women with IBD are in some ways well prepared for the challenges of motherhood even though, as a group, they tend to restrict their reproductive choices. We recommend health professionals initiate conversations about reproduction early and provide a multidisciplinary approach to pregnancy and IBD in which women have confidence that their ongoing treatment will be integrated successfully with their maternity care.

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.

Ustekinumab therapy for Crohn's disease during pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES

The safety of continued ustekinumab (UST) therapy during pregnancy remains unclear in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). There are no meta-analysis reports of exposure to UST during pregnancy. The objective was to describe a case of a pregnant patient with CD who was successfully treated with UST maintenance therapy throughout the pregnancy and delivered a baby boy without any congenital malformations, neurological abnormalities or birth defects.

CASE SUMMARY

A 37-year-old patient with CD treated with UST became pregnant. She had been receiving UST for 8 months at the time. After discussion with the patient and the obstetric team, the UST therapy was continued. The result of treatment was an uneventful pregnancy with delivery, at term, of a healthy boy and the maintenance of clinical, biological and endoscopic remission of CD during and after pregnancy.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of continued UST therapy for CD throughout a pregnancy. The result of treatment was an uncomplicated pregnancy with the mother giving birth to a healthy boy at term and the maintenance of clinical biological and endoscopic remission of CD during and after pregnancy.

Dynamic management and therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is frequently diagnosed during female reproductive years. Active disease may increase the risk of infertility and adverse outcomes. Therefore, we suggest delaying conception until the disease becomes inactive. It has attracted much attention on how to maintain and induce remission in pregnancy. This review discusses the interplay between pregnancy and IBD, the treatment of active IBD, and the maintenance of remission during pregnancy, with an aim to provide reference for woman who are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis During Pregnancy

There are currently limited data on the management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) during pregnancy. At our center, however, we have followed several pregnant women with EoE and others have asked pertinent questions in pre-pregnancy counseling. The relatively young age of patients with EoE implies that many practitioners will also encounter patients with these questions. In this review, we use four cases to prompt a discussion about concerns focused on the safety of steroids and diet therapy during pregnancy and breast-feeding, potential nutritional risks with dietary elimination, how to optimize therapy, and whether endoscopic evaluation for monitoring of disease activity is safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. An additional concern is whether the disease could progress during pregnancy and breast-feeding if no therapies are used. Although there are no studies specifically examining pregnant EoE patients, we have reviewed the literature relevant to this population as informed by the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease patients during pregnancy, where these issues have been studied in more depth. Providers who care for EoE patients who could become pregnant should familiarize themselves with these issues.

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.

Significant variation in recommendation of care for women of reproductive age with ulcerative colitis postileal pouch-anal anastomosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the preferred surgical option for treatment refractory ulcerative colitis. Infertility risk post IPAA and sphincter injury concerns with vaginal delivery has led to a lack of consensus regarding timing and recommended mode of delivery (MOD) post-IPAA. To better understand these issues, we surveyed gastroenterologists (GI), colorectal surgeons (CRS), and obstetricians (OB) to assess practice variation in recommendations for delivery post IPAA.

METHODS

Clinical vignettes were developed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs surrounding (1) the impact of IPAA on fertility, (2) IPAA timing around pregnancy, (3) recommended MOD after IPAA and (4) which specialist should advise on MOD. These were emailed to providers using specialty society address lists. Univariate analyses tested differences among groups.

RESULTS

A total of 244 GI, 158 CRS and 39 OBs responded to the survey. The majority of GI (67%) and CRS (60%) quoted fertility reduction of >20% post-IPAA versus 11% OB (p < 0.001). More GI than CRS (67 vs. 45%) recommended delaying IPAA until after pregnancy (p < 0.001), and this was more commonly suggested by CRS in practice <10 years (p = 0.01) and <45 years old (p = 0.003). Vaginal delivery was recommended post-IPAA in 43, 20 and 57% for GI, CRS and OB, respectively (p < 0.001). Only 28% CRS versus 59% OB thought OB should primarily advise on MOD (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant intra- and inter-group variation in management of women post-IPAA. There is need for consensus among subspecialists involved in managing women with this complex condition.

The fetal safety of thiopurines for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy

Maintaining remission of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during pregnancy is critical for positive pregnancy outcomes. Conflicting data exist regarding the association between thiopurine use for IBD treatment in pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes and this meta-analysis aims to clarify this association. A meta-analysis was performed of all original human studies reporting outcomes in pregnancy in patients receiving thiopurines. Nine studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and a total of 494 patients with IBD and 2,782 IBD controls were reported. When compared with healthy women, those receiving thiopurines had an increased risk for congenital malformations (RR 1.45; 95% CI 1.07-1.96; p = 0.02); however, when compared with IBD controls, there was no increased risk (RR 1.37; 95% CI 0.92-2.05; p = 0.1). These data provide support for thiopurines having a minimal risk, if any, to the fetus.

Crohn's disease in women

This article provides an overview of the obstetric and gynecological manifestations of Crohn’s disease (CD). High incidence of the new onset of the disease in young women in their reproductive years demands special concern from physicians involved in their treatment. Pregnant women with CD are considered high-risk patients, regardless of disease activity index, due to associated complications. Predominately described complications are premature birth, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies. To minimize the risk for adverse pregnancy/birth outcomes, it is recommended that remission be achieved before conception. Treatment of CD in pregnant women is similar to that among the nonpregnant population, and there is no valid reason to terminate it, since most of the drugs are proven to be safe. Women with CD who wish to conceive or are already pregnant need to be properly advised according to the newest guidelines on the subject, given by the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization. Gynecological manifestations are another special feature of CD. They are important in that they may facilitate early recognition of the underlying disease, which usually stays unrecognized for years before intestinal manifestation; in this way, the underlying manifestations are often mistreated.

Management of inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy

The management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy requires special considerations. Although many of the medications in IBD treatment are generally low risk, this is not the case for all agents, and substitution of medications or adjustments in dosage or dose timing may be needed. Furthermore, while women with IBD who have not had prior pelvic surgery are as likely to conceive as non-IBD counterparts, there is evidence to suggest that pregnancy outcomes may be worse in women with IBD, particularly if they have active disease during conception or pregnancy. Therefore, a thoughtful discussion between the patient and her healthcare team is critical to ensure awareness of the possible risks of pregnancy to the mother and her infant and how these risks can be minimized with a coordinated effort in counseling, monitoring and medication adherence.

Safety of thiopurines and anti-TNF-α drugs during pregnancy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

The safety of thiopurines and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) drugs during pregnancy remains controversial, as the experience with these drugs in this situation is limited. Our aim is to assess the safety of thiopurines and anti-TNF-α drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during pregnancy.

METHODS

Retrospective, multicenter study in IBD patients. Pregnancies were classified according to the therapeutic regimens during pregnancy or during the 3 months before the conception: non-exposed group, pregnancies exposed to thiopurines alone (group A), and pregnancies exposed to anti-TNF-α drugs (group B). An unfavorable Global Pregnancy Outcome (GPO) was considered if pregnancy developed with obstetric complications in the mother and in the newborn.

RESULTS

A total of 187 pregnancies in the group A, 66 pregnancies in the group B, and 318 pregnancies in the non-exposed group were included. The rate of unfavorable GPO was different among the three groups (31.8% in non-exposed group, 21.9% in group A, and 34.8% in group B), being lower in pregnancies under thiopurines than among non-exposed (P = 0.01). The rate of pregnancy complications was similar among the three groups (27.7% in non-exposed, 20.9% in group A, and 30.3% in group B). The rate of neonatal complications was different among the three groups (23.3% in non-exposed group, 13.9% in group A, and 21.2% in group B), being lower in pregnancies under thiopurines than among non-exposed (P = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the treatment with thiopurines (odds ratio = 0.6; 95% confidence interval = 0.4-0.9, P = 0.02) was the only predictor of favorable GPO, whereas maternal age >35 years at conception was the only predictor of unfavorable GPO. The treatment with anti-TNF-α drugs was not associated with an unfavorable GPO.

CONCLUSION

The treatment with thiopurines and anti-TNF-α drugs does not seem to increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and does seem to be safe for the newborn.

Quality of life in patients postcolectomy for pediatric-onset ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis in children can have a negative effect on quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

We included 16 of 31 patients who underwent colectomy for ulcerative colitis before 20 years of age between 1980 and 2005 at University of California in San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital. A disease-specific QOL questionnaire (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire-32), validated for adults, was used to determine QOL and an additional questionnaire addressing bowel function and reproductive health in long-term follow-up of these patients.

RESULTS

Median age at the time of survey was 20.3 years (17.9-25.3), and time postcolectomy was 6.9 years (4.8-9.0). Mean total score was 159.7 ± 43.3 (58-210). Two patients (12.5%) had scores of ≥ 200, 12 (75.0%) had 101 to 199, and 2 (12.5%) had ≤ 100. Patients ages 18 years or younger at the time of survey showed higher QOL, particularly in emotional health (P=0.020), social function (P=0.014), and overall QOL (P=0.009). Social function scored highest of all of the systems (median 7; interquartile range 4-7). Patients with scores ≤ 100 had repeated episodes of pouchitis (16-30) compared with the other 14 patients (0-3). Children who were diagnosed ages 12 years or younger tended to have higher QOL (p=0.072). Years postcolectomy did not correlate to QOL. Eleven patients were sexually active. Two males had feelings of impotence and decreased libido, and 6 females experienced dyspareunia. Three women tried unsuccessfully to conceive after colectomy. One woman became pregnant 4 times, each leading to miscarriage.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger age at time of colectomy, diagnosis, and survey show higher QOL. Highest satisfaction was found in ability to attend school, work, and social engagements. Pouchitis continued to be an issue for a small number of the patients, with 2 patients having recurring episodes that severely affected QOL. Patients reported decreased sexual activity and fertility at the time of survey due to colectomy, especially for females.

Review article: a decision-making algorithm for the management of pregnancy in the inflammatory bowel disease patient

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease affects patients who are in their reproductive years. There are many questions regarding the management of IBD patients who are considering or who are already pregnant. These include the effect of the disease and the medications on fertility and on the pregnancy outcome.

AIM

To create an evidence-based decision-making algorithm to help guide physicians through the management of pregnancy in the IBD patient.

METHODS

A literature review using phrases that include: 'inflammatory bowel disease', 'Crohn's disease', 'ulcerative colitis', 'pregnancy', 'fertility', 'breast feeding', 'delivery', 'surgery', 'immunomodulators', 'azathioprine', 'mercaptopurine', 'biologics', 'infliximab', 'adalimumab', 'certolizumab'.

CONCLUSIONS

The four decision-making nodes in the algorithm for the management of pregnancy in the IBD patient, and the key points for each one are as follows: (i) preconception counselling - pregnancy outcome is better if patients remain in remission during pregnancy, (ii) contemplating pregnancy or is already pregnant - drugs used to treat IBD appear to be safe during pregnancy, with the exception of methotrexate and thalidomide, (iii) delivery and (iv) breast feeding - drugs used to treat IBD appear to be safe during lactation, except for ciclosporin. Another key point is that biological agents may be continued up to 30 weeks gestation. The management of pregnancy in the IBD patient should be multi-disciplinary involving the patient and her partner, the family physician, the gastroenterologist and the obstetrician.