Outcomes after anti-rheumatic drug use before and during pregnancy: a cohort study among 150 000 pregnant women and expectant fathers

Safety assessment of sulfasalazine: a pharmacovigilance study based on FAERS database

Background

Sulfasalazine is a widely used anti-inflammatory medication for treating autoimmune disorders such as ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, its safety profile has not been systematically evaluated in real-world settings. By analyzing the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, we identified risk signals associated with adverse reactions to sulfasalazine, offering valuable insights for clinical decision-making and risk management.

Methods

Reports of adverse events (AEs) associated with sulfasalazine, covering the period from Q1 2004 to Q4 2023, were extracted from the FAERS database. Detailed case information was aggregated to assess demographic characteristics. The associations between sulfasalazine and adverse events were evaluated using the Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean (EBGM).

Results

We extracted 7,156 adverse event reports from the FAERS database where sulfasalazine was identified as the "Primary Suspect (PS)" drug. Using disproportionality analysis, we identified 101 preferred terms (PT) related to sulfasalazine across 24 organ systems. Notable adverse reactions consistent with the drug's labeling were observed, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, agranulocytosis, eosinophilic pneumonia, and crystalluria. Additionally, novel positive signals not previously documented in the drug label were identified, including acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, aseptic meningitis, glomerulonephritis, and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma.

Conclusion

Most of the adverse reaction findings in this study are consistent with previous clinical research, and we have also identified new potential AEs associated with sulfasalazine. These findings provide valuable insights for the safety monitoring and clinical application of sulfasalazine.

Real-world pharmacological treatment of pregnant patients with rheumatic diseases from China: a retrospective analysis from 2016 to 2021

Introduction: We investigated trends in the use of therapeutic drugs for pregnant patients with rheumatic diseases in nine Chinese cities (Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Harbin, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Tianjin, and Zhengzhou) to provide a reference for drug use in clinic. Methods: Outpatient prescription data for pregnant patients diagnosed with rheumatic diseases in nine cities across China in 2016-2021 were extracted from the Hospital Prescription Cooperation Project of the Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association. A retrospective analysis was then performed, incorporating data on patient age, defined daily doses (DDDs), defined daily cost (DDC), and other metrics. Results: In 2016-2020, more than 70% of the pregnant patients diagnosed with rheumatic diseases in these nine cities were 25 to < 35 years of age. The most common rheumatic diseases during pregnancy were antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In terms of the routine use of daily therapeutic drugs, the DDDs of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs), glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressive agents dominated the top three. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have been used since 2019 and had been in the forefront of the DDC. Conclusion: The number and total cost of prescriptions for therapeutic drugs of pregnancy complicated by rheumatic diseases, have increased significantly over the study interval. Conventional therapeutic drugs, especially glucocorticoids, LMWHs, and hydroxychloroquine were the most widely used drugs in pregnant patients with rheumatic diseases. However, IVIG and TNFi, relatively high cost, have shown gradual increases in clinical use since 2019.

Where are the data to assess the safety of paternal drug exposure? A systematic review of secondary databases: A contribution from IMI concePTION

BACKGROUND

Most studies assessing the safety of parental drug exposures during pregnancy and around the time of conception describe the effects of maternal exposure. Recent publications have raised awareness of the need for additional research regarding the safety of paternal drug exposures on pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and describe studies that use secondary databases in paternal drug safety studies and to describe the secondary databases that were used.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies assessing paternal medication exposure and pregnancy and infant outcomes using secondary databases was performed. In addition, the secondary databases used for these studies was described. Literature search was conducted using Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed, over the period January 1, 2012 to April 30, 2023. For each eligible study, paternal drug exposure, outcome, and data source characteristics were extracted in a data extraction form.

RESULTS

After reviewing the literature, 17 studies met inclusion criteria. The medications assessed for paternal safety were anti-rheumatic drugs (n = 10), anti-depressants (n = 3), anticonvulsants (n = 2), and anti-diabetes medications (n = 2). Pregnancy safety outcomes included congenital malformations, birth weight, and developmental disorders. The studies used five different databases across Europe and North America. The included studies used databases from Denmark (n = 12), Norway (n = 2), Sweden (n = 1), Canada (n = 1), and the United States (n = 1). The European studies utilized national patient registers that linked fathers to births and prescription histories. The North American databases used included insurance claims and electronic health records.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review shows that few studies have been completed on paternal medication exposures and pregnancy outcomes, despite the availability of secondary databases that contain data necessary to link fathers to infants. More research on the potential adverse impacts of paternal medication exposures is needed.

Paternal preconception exposure to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids and adverse birth outcomes: A nationwide registry-based cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Paternal use of analgesics during the time of conception and adverse birth outcomes are poorly studied. We investigated the association between paternal exposure to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids within 3 months before the date of conception and the risk of adverse birth outcomes (preterm birth, small for gestational age, low Apgar score, and major congenital malformations).

METHODS

We used nationwide data from the Danish health registers. We included information on all singleton live births, and their fathers and mothers from 1997 to 2018. We created two exposed cohorts, children with preconception paternal exposure to (1) non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and (2) opioids. The unexposed cohort was children without preconception paternal exposure to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids, and we performed a sub-analysis against paternal use of acetaminophen (paracetamol). We used logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios of adverse birth outcomes including 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

We identified 1,260,934 children, 45,667 children with paternal exposure to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, 10,086 children with paternal exposure to opioids, and 1,205,181 unexposed children. The adjusted odds ratio for preterm birth was 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.13) after paternal exposure to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and 1.21 (95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.35) after paternal exposure to opioids. The adjusted odds ratio for small for gestational age was 1.09 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.17) after paternal exposure to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, and 1.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.21) after paternal exposure to opioids. We found null-associations for a low Apgar score and major congenital malformations. Estimates were attenuated when compared against paternal paracetamol exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we found null-associations across the comparisons made. Weak associations were found for paternal exposure to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids and preterm birth and small for gestational age, but not with low Apgar score or major congenital malformation. All associations were attenuated when compared against an active comparator of paternal paracetamol exposure. The effect sizes were small and less likely to be of clinical relevance.

Methotrexate use among men-association with fertility and the perinatal health of their children: a Swedish nationwide register study

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of methotrexate on male fertility and subsequent effects on their children, for which data are scarce and contradictory.

DESIGN

Nationwide multiregister cohort study.

SETTING

Not applicable.

SUBJECT(S)

All children born alive in Sweden between 2006 and 2014 and their fathers. Three cohorts were defined: children to fathers with periconceptional methotrexate exposure (exposed cohort), children whose fathers stopped methotrexate intake ≥2 years before conception (previously exposed cohort), and children to fathers with no methotrexate exposure (control cohort).

EXPOSURE(S)

The father having at least one dispensed methotrexate prescription from pharmacies 0-3 months before conception, along with at least one more dispensed methotrexate prescription 0-12 months before conception (periconceptional exposure). Previously exposed cohort: the father having no dispensed methotrexate prescriptions in the 2 years before conception, but having at least two dispensed prescriptions before that.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Congenital anomalies (major and any; primary outcomes), preterm birth (PTB) and being small for gestational age (SGA; secondary outcomes), as well as need of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to achieve pregnancy (primary outcome in exposed cohort vs. controls, exploratory outcome in previously exposed cohort vs. controls). Outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 223 children to fathers with periconceptional methotrexate exposure were identified, along with 356 children whose fathers stopped methotrexate intake ≥2 years before conception and 809,706 not methotrexate-treated controls. In children with fathers periconceptionally exposed to methotrexate, the adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for major congenital anomalies were 1.1 (0.4-2.6) and 1.1 (0.4-2.4), any congenital anomalies 1.3 (0.7-2.4) and 1.4 (0.7-2.3), PTB 1.0 (0.5-1.8) and 1.0 (0.5-1.8), SGA 1.1 (0.4-2.6) and 1.0 (0.4-2.2), and conception by use of ICSI 3.9 (2.2-7.1) and 4.6 (2.5-7.7). Use of ICSI was not increased among fathers who stopped methotrexate intake ≥2 years before conception, having adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios 0.9 (0.4-1.9) and 1.5 (0.6-2.9).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that paternal periconceptional methotrexate use does not increase risk of congenital anomalies, PTB, or SGA in the offspring but may temporarily reduce fertility.

Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic systemic autoimmune disease affecting women of childbearing age. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of published observational studies to systematically evaluate the association between RA and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for keywords from the date of inception to December 28, 2021, to identify relevant studies reporting adverse maternal and/or fetal outcomes in RA pregnancies. Data from individual studies were pooled using random-effects models and presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Eighteen studies with a total number of over 50 million participants were eligible for inclusion. This current analysis showed that in pregnant women with RA, there was a significantly increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes, including caesarean section (OR, 1.39; 95% CI 1.24-1.55), pre-eclampsia (OR, 1.48; 95% CI 1.19-1.83), gestational hypertension (OR, 1.34; 95% CI 1.07-1.68) and spontaneous abortion (OR, 1.16; 95% CI 1.04-1.29). Similarly, maternal RA during pregnancy was also associated with a significantly increased risk of adverse fetal outcomes, including preterm birth (OR, 1.58; 95% CI 1.44-1.74), small for gestational age (OR, 1.49; 95% CI 1.22-1.82), low birth weight (OR, 1.45; 95% CI 1.30-1.63), congenital anomalies (OR, 1.36; 95% CI 1.01-1.83) and stillborn (OR, 1.38; 95% CI 1.09-1.74).

CONCLUSION

Maternal RA is significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Close monitoring of the clinical status of RA patients before and during pregnancy is essential in clinical practice. Key Points • Pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at significantly increased risk for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. • The increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with RA may be closely related to medication use and disease activity. • Close monitoring of the clinical status of RA patients before and during pregnancy is essential in clinical practice.

Fetal and Neonatal Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with Biologics Taken During Pregnancy by Women with Autoimmune Diseases: Insights from an Analysis of the World Health Organization Pharmacovigilance Database (VigiBase®)

INTRODUCTION

Published data on the safety of biologics other than tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors during pregnancy are limited.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to detect pharmacovigilance signals for fetal and neonatal adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to biologics taken by pregnant women with autoimmune diseases.

METHODS

We performed a disproportionality analysis of the World Health Organization's VigiBase^® pharmacovigilance database from 1968 to June 1, 2021. Data were collected in June 2021. By using terms for different hierarchical levels of the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, we selected the following fetal or neonatal ADRs: stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age, and congenital malformations. The frequency of all identified ADRs for biologics of interest (adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, anakinra, canakinumab, tocilizumab, sarilumab, ustekinumab, guselkumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, belimumab, abatacept, and rituximab) was compared with that of all other reports for all other drugs and quoted as the reporting odds ratio (ROR) [95% confidence interval]. Reports with known concomitant use of teratogenic drugs were excluded from the main analysis. Other analyses included ROR stratifications by therapeutic indication in the periods 1968-2021 and 2001-2021, and an analysis after excluding reports with steroids.

RESULTS

In the main analysis, the RORs were particularly high for musculoskeletal malformations with anakinra (7.18 [3.50-14.73]), canakinumab (19.54 [12.82-29.79]), and abatacept (5.09 [2.77-9.33]), and for immune system disorders with canakinumab (347.88 [217.9-555.50]) and rituximab (9.27 [2.95-29.15]). After the exclusion of reports with steroids, the ROR was significant for neonatal infections with belimumab (28.49 [5.75-141.25]).

CONCLUSION

We identified possible associations with some adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes, suggesting that vigilance is required when prescribing certain biologics during pregnancy.

Therapy of psoriasis during pregnancy and breast-feeding

There have been multiple systemic drugs approved for the therapy of psoriasis vulgaris and psoriasis arthritis (PsA) in the last decade. However, treatment decisions are difficult to make in women planning a pregnancy and in pregnant and lactating women due to the paucity of data for such cases. The strongest evidence for psoriasis therapy during pregnancy exists for topical corticosteroids. Medically controlled use of UVB-therapy is also considered safe. The best evidence regarding systemic therapy during pregnancy and lactation is available for the group of TNF-alpha inhibitors, which is also reflected in the respective medical product information. This is especially important in cases of psoriatic arthritis. Among traditional systemic therapeutics, the largest clinical experience exists for ciclosporin, which, if medically necessary, may be continued during gestation. However, TNF-alpha inhibitors, especially the pegylated form, should be preferred in case of pregnancy. Furthermore, an elective pregnancy termination is not necessary due to systemic therapy of psoriasis with many further substances during the first pregnancy weeks. The current work provides a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on treatment of psoriasis during pregnancy and lactation. Based on the available scientific information, severity of psoriasis and patient's comorbidities, the best possible therapeutic approach can be found in consensus with the patient.

Birth Outcomes in Women Who Have Taken Hydroxycholoroquine During Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Findings from previous small studies have been reassuring regarding the safety of treatment with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) during pregnancy. In one recent study, it was demonstrated that the frequency of major birth defects was increased in women who had received HCQ at a dose of ≥400 mg/day during pregnancy. This study was undertaken to examine pregnancy outcomes among women following the use of HCQ.

METHODS

The study cohort comprised pregnant women who were prospectively enrolled in the MotherToBaby/Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Autoimmune Diseases in Pregnancy Study and were receiving treatment with HCQ. For the control groups, disease-matched women without HCQ exposure and healthy women were randomly selected from the same source, with subject matching using a 1:1 ratio. Data were collected through interviews, medical records, and dysmorphology examinations. Pregnancy outcome measures included the presence or absence of major and minor birth defects, rates of spontaneous abortion, rates of preterm delivery, and infant growth measures.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2018, 837 pregnant women met the criteria for study inclusion, including 279 women exposed to HCQ during pregnancy and 279 women in each unexposed control group. Sixty pregnant women (7.2%) were lost to follow-up. Among the women with live births, major birth defects occurred as a pregnancy outcome in 20 (8.6%) of 232 women with HCQ exposure in the first trimester, compared to 19 (7.4%) of 256 disease-matched unexposed controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.61-2.26) and 13 (5.4%) of 239 healthy controls (adjusted OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.28-2.05). Risks did not differ in women who were receiving an HCQ dose of ≥400 mg/day. No pattern of birth defects was identified. There were no differences in the rates of spontaneous abortion or preterm delivery between groups. Occurrence of infant growth deficiencies did not differ in the HCQ-exposed group compared to the disease-matched unexposed control group, except in the infant's head circumference at birth (adjusted OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.07-3.20).

CONCLUSION

In this study, there was no evidence of an increased risk of structural birth defects or other adverse outcomes among women receiving HCQ during pregnancy, with the exception of infant head circumference at birth. For pregnant women being treated with HCQ, these findings are reassuring.

“The medications are the decision-makers…” Making reproductive and medication use decisions among female patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a constructivist grounded theory

Objective

To examine how female patients with RA form decisions about having children, pregnancy, and medication use.

Methods

We employed a constructivist grounded theory design and recruited female participants who are 18 years or older, have a rheumatologist-confirmed RA diagnosis, live in Canada, and are able to communicate in English or French. We collected data through semi-structured individual and focus group interviews using telephone or video conferencing technology. Data collection and analysis were iterative, employed theoretical sampling, reflexive journaling, and peer debriefing, and culminated in a theoretical model.

Results

We recruited 21 participants with a mean age of 34 years and median 10 years since RA diagnosis. Overall, 33% had never been pregnant, 57% had previously been pregnant, and 10% were pregnant at the time of interview. Of those who had experienced pregnancy, 64% had at least one pregnancy while diagnosed with RA and of those, 56% used DMARD(s) during a pregnancy. We constructed a patient-centred framework depicting the dynamic relationships between 4 decision-making processes—(1) using medications, (2) having children, (3) planning pregnancy, and (4) parenting—and the substantial impact of healthcare providers on patients’ experiences making these decisions. These processes were further influenced by participants’ intersecting identities and contextual factors, particularly attitudes towards health and medications, disease onset and severity, familial support system, and experiences interacting with the healthcare system.

Conclusion

Our framework provides insight into how patients make reproductive decisions in the context of managing RA and the opportunities for providers to support them at each decision-making process. A patient-centred care approach is suggested to support female patients with RA in making reproductive and medication choices aligning with their individual desires, needs, and values.

Sulfasalazine exposure during pregnancy and lactation induces alterations in reproductive behavior in adult female rat offspring

AIMS

Sulfasalazine (SAS) is the first line drug in the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases in pregnant women. SAS and its metabolites cross the placenta and can be transferred through the milk. However, the long-term consequences to the reproductive system of offspring from dams exposed to SAS have not yet been studied. Thus, our study investigated the effects of SAS treatment during gestational and lactational periods on maternal care in F0 and reproductive outcomes in F1 females.

MAIN METHODS

Wistar female rats (n = 10/group) received 300 mg/kg/day of SAS dissolved in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), by gavage, from gestational day 0 to lactation day 21 and 3 mg/kg/day of folic acid during gestation. The control group received CMC only. On PND 21, the female pups were selected for reproductive evaluation at different time points: infancy and adulthood. The reproductive parameters evaluated were installation of puberty (vaginal opening and first estrus), estrous cyclicity, reproductive organs weight, histological analysis of the ovary follicles and uterus, analysis of oxidative stress in ovarian tissue, reproductive behavior (sexual and maternal), and fertility.

KEY FINDINGS

SAS treatment decreased the retrieving behavior in F0 females. The F1 females presented an increase in the lordosis score, frequency of lordosis of magnitude 3, and lipid peroxidation of ovarian tissues in both infancy and adult life.

SIGNIFICANCE

The SAS effects observed in the current study represent a relevant concern for public health, as they demonstrated that treatment with SAS compromised the maternal motivation of dams and induced reproductive alterations in F1 females.

The effects of autoimmune rheumatic-related diseases on male reproductive health: A systematic review

Autoimmune rheumatic-related diseases (ARRDs) have physical and psychological impact on patients, including their sexual life. While many studies have investigated fertility problems in females, data on males-related fertility are scarce, which explains the lack of guidance. The main objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the reproductive health in males with ARRDs. This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews guidelines. Original articles from Pubmed and Scopus, published until September 16, 2021, and tackling the effects of ARRDs and/or ARRDs treatments on male fertility and/or pregnancy outcomes, were included. A total of twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. They were published between 1981 and 2018. The studied ARRDs were spondyloarthritis (n = 9), systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n = 6), Behcet disease (BD, n = 5), rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n = 5), antiphospholipid syndrome (n = 1), and dermatomyositis (n = 1). The most reported effects of ARRDs on fertility are i) high levels of reproductive hormones, mainly in RA and SLE; ii) impaired semen quality in SLE, spondyloarthritis, and BD; and iii) higher rate of varicocele in BD and spondyloarthritis. Regarding the treatments effects, i) conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (e.g.; methotrexate and salazopyrine) increase testosterone level, ii) cyclophosphamide impairs fertility, iii) anti-tumor necrosis factor agents are associated with improvement in semen quality, and iv) no increased number of miscarriages or congenital abnormalities in children fathered by BD was reported. To conclude, both ARRDs and their treatments alter fertility in males with ARRDs. In practice, in addition to the conventional semen analysis, screening for infertility seems legitimate in males with ARRDs.

Effect of Multiple Sclerosis and Its Treatments on Male Fertility: Cues for Future Research

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that may lead to different types of symptoms and disabilities. with the better quality of life and decreased disability due to early diagnosis and the availability of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), the treating physician is increasingly asked to counsel patients on its effects on fertility and reproduction. In particular, reproductive issues are still scarcely studied and discussed in men. Among the still open questions are the following: (a) Does multiple sclerosis cause infertility per sè? (b) Is multiple sclerosis correlated with conditions that increase the risk of infertility? (c) Do DMTs or other therapies for multiple sclerosis impact gonadal function in men? The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the available literature data about the reproductive issues unique to men with multiple sclerosis, underlining the numerous areas where evidence is lacking and, therefore, the priorities for future research.

[Insights into pregnancy and breastfeeding in inflammatory rheumatic diseases through observational data]

Information on pregnancy and breastfeeding in women with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases is relevant for a successful pregnancy and also for maternal and child health. In general, pregnant and breastfeeding women are excluded from randomized clinical trials and therefore evidence for clinical care and counselling has to be generated from observational studies. In the past decades, various data collections have been established for this purpose in addition to the existing spontaneous reporting systems initiated by drug authorities, with the aim of monitoring the teratogenic risk of a drug. Health insurance claims data, electronic health records and Scandinavian registers are also increasingly being used for research on pregnancy-associated events; however, all these data sources lack the inclusion of the maternal disease, especially with respect to its inflammatory component. Established cohort studies, biologics and disease registries record disease activity but are not designed for pregnancy-specific questions. Pregnancy registries and studies in rheumatology close this gap. In order to be able to make a better assessment of the possibilities and limitations of existing data sources on pregnancy and lactation, they are presented in detail in the following review including their respective advantages and disadvantages and examples from rheumatology are given. In addition, existing collaborations as well as studies for investigating the influence of paternal rheumatic disease are highlighted.

Safety of anti-TNF agents in pregnancy

Inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Active maternal disease during pregnancy is associated with additional negative outcomes. Anti-TNF agents are effective treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis. These agents cross the placenta starting in the second trimester, with levels detected for several months after birth. This has led to safety concerns, with continued therapy during pregnancy for both the mother and the infant. This review covers retrospective and prospective data published from various cohorts of pregnant women exposed to anti-TNF agents during pregnancy. It highlights the safety of anti-TNF drugs in pregnancy, breast-feeding, and during the first year of life of the infant.

Rheumatology-led pregnancy clinic: men perspective

The birth of reproductive rheumatology as a subject of interest in rheumatology has led to improvement of clinical care for patients living with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and paved the way towards setting a specialized pregnancy service within the standard rheumatology practice. In contrast to women, where there has been wealth of literature regarding pregnancy, lactation, and birth outcomes, there is not as much focusing on male sexual health and outcomes among inflammatory arthritis patients. Challenges such as decrease ability to conceive, impaired fertility, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual problems have been raised by male patients living with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. This broad scope gives the reproductive health concept in men another expansion with views to include sexual health problems screening among men attending the standard outpatient rheumatology clinics. This article adds to the paucity of real-life experience and aims at discussing the sexual health from the men perspective and provides a practical approach towards screening, and assessment of men living with autoimmune diseases in standard day to day practice.

Hydroxychloroquine early in pregnancy and risk of birth defects

BACKGROUND

Hydroxychloroquine is generally considered safe in pregnancy for the treatment of rheumatic conditions, but studies have been too small to evaluate teratogenicity. Quantifying the risk of congenital malformations associated with early pregnancy exposure to hydroxychloroquine is important in both the context of its ongoing use for rheumatological disorders and its potential future use for coronavirus disease 2019 prophylaxis, for which a number of clinical trials are ongoing despite initial trials for coronavirus disease 2019 treatment having been negative.

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to evaluate the risk of major congenital malformations associated with exposure to hydroxychloroquine during the first trimester of pregnancy, the period of organogenesis.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a population-based cohort study nested in the Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX, 2000-2014) and IBM MarketScan Research Database (MarketScan, 2003-2015). The source cohort included 2045 hydroxychloroquine-exposed pregnancies and 3,198,589 pregnancies not exposed to hydroxychloroquine continuously enrolled in their respective insurance program for 3 months before the last menstrual period through at least 1 month after delivery; infants were enrolled for at least 3 months after birth. We compared the risk of congenital malformations in women using hydroxychloroquine during the first trimester of pregnancy with that of those not using hydroxychloroquine, restricting the cohort to women with rheumatic disorders and using propensity score matching to control for indication, demographics, medical comorbidities, and concomitant medications (1867 hydroxychloroquine-exposed pregnancies and 19,080 pregnancies not exposed to hydroxychloroquine). The outcomes considered included major congenital malformations diagnosed during the first 90 days after delivery and specific malformation types for which there were at least 5 exposed events: oral cleft, cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genital, urinary, musculoskeletal, and limb defects.

RESULTS

Overall, 54.8 per 1000 infants exposed to hydroxychloroquine were born with a major congenital malformation versus 35.3 per 1000 unexposed infants, corresponding to an unadjusted relative risk of 1.51 (95% confidence interval, 1.27-1.81). Patient characteristics were balanced in the restricted, propensity score-matched cohort. The adjusted relative risk was 1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.54); it was 1.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.65) for a daily dose of ≥400 mg and 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.60-1.50) for a daily dose of <400 mg. Among the different malformation groups considered, more substantial increases in the risk of oral clefts, respiratory anomalies, and urinary defects were observed, although estimates were imprecise. No pattern of malformation was identified.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a small increase in the risk of malformations associated with first-trimester hydroxychloroquine use. For most patients with autoimmune rheumatic disorders, the benefits of treatment during pregnancy will likely outweigh this risk. If hydroxychloroquine were shown to be effective for coronavirus disease 2019 prophylaxis in ongoing trials, the risk of malformations would need to be balanced against such benefits.

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.

Antirheumatic medications in pregnancy and breastfeeding

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As active rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease during pregnancy increases the risk for pregnancy loss, preterm birth, and maternal illness, ongoing management with pregnancy-compatible medications can improve these outcomes. Selecting and taking these medications can be challenging for rheumatologists and patients due to limited knowledge about potential risks and benefits.

RECENT FINDINGS

Fortunately, the American College of Rheumatology, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, British Rheumatology Society, and the European League Against Rheumatism have each published recommendations to guide the use of antirheumatic medications in pregnancy and lactation. Each of these groups endorsed the use of hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, sulfasalazine, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in pregnancy. They also agreed that methotrexate, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and leflunomide should be avoided in pregnancy. New medications, including small-molecules and biologics, have limited data to support safety in pregnancy and are not currently recommended during this period. Most antirheumatic medications are compatible with lactation.

SUMMARY

Because many patients are hesitant to use antirheumatic medications during pregnancy, honest and accurate discussions about pregnancy planning and management are important to help women make decisions that are in their and their offspring's best interest.

An Update on Biologic Agents During Pregnancy

Most biological agents are safe to use in pregnancy. Biologic agents may be divided into 4 risk categories: minimal, uncertain, moderate, and high. Treatment options should be individualized to each patient's disease activity, response to medication, and adverse effects. Hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, cyclosporine A, and low-dose aspirin are considered safe. Glucocorticoids may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension/preeclampsia. Nonsteroidal medication should only be used during the first trimester and for a short period during the second trimester. Limited experience with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor medications suggests minimal risk. Methotrexate, mycophenolate, and leflunomide are contraindicated during pregnancy.

Acute anejaculation, hypogonadism, and fertility preservation in the setting of neurosarcoidosis: case report and literature review

Objective

To examine fertility preservation techniques in the setting of neurosarcoidosis, and to review the impact of corticosteroid and methotrexate therapy on fertility.

Design

Case report of a patient with infertility secondary to anejaculation associated with spinal neurosarcoidosis, treated with systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate.

Setting

Academic tertiary-care hospital.

Patient(s)

A 39-year-old man presented with neurosarcoidosis complicated by acute anejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and hypogonadism. He underwent fertility consultation and sperm cryopreservation before initiating methotrexate therapy. His pretreatment total testosterone was low, at 157 ng/dL.

Intervention(s)

Unsuccessful pharmacologic therapy and penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) were followed by microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE). Clomiphene was administered for optimization of spermatogenesis before microTESE.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Vials of cryopreserved sperm, testis histopathology, and serum testosterone levels.

Result(s)

Eight vials of viable sperm were harvested by means of micro-TESE and cryopreserved. Despite intraoperative appearance of hypospermatogenesis, 90% of seminiferous tubules had active germ cell sloughing. Total testosterone increased to 278 ng/dL 2 months after initiating clomiphene.

Conclusion(s)

Conventional fertility preservation techniques may be effective in the setting of neurosarcoidosis-induced infertility owing to largely intact spermatogenesis. PVS, though not effective for this patient, should be considered along with electroejaculation, given high success rates in other patients with neurogenic anejaculation. Corticosteroid-mediated hypogonadism also must be considered in these patients, because it can negatively affect downstream spermatogenesis. In addition, evidence for the impact of paternal methotrexate exposure on fertility is limited and requires further investigation. As such, fertility consultation before initiating methotrexate is highly recommended.

In utero exposure to Azathioprine in autoimmune disease. Where do we stand?

Azathioprine (AZA), an oral immunosuppressant, is safe during pregnancy. Some reports suggested different impairments in the offspring of mothers with autoimmune diseases (AI) exposed in utero to AZA. These observations are available from retrospective studies or case reports. However, data with respect to the long-term safety in the antenatally exposed child are still lacking. The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge in this field and to focus on the need for a prospective study on this population. We performed a PubMed search using several search terms. The actual data show that although the risk of congenital anomalies in offspring, as well as the infertility risk, are similar to those found in general population, there is a higher incidence of prematurity, of lower weight at birth and an intra-uterine delay of development. There is also an increased risk of materno- fetal infections, especially cytomegalovirus infection. Some authors raise the interrogations about neurocognitive impairment. Even though the adverse outcomes might well be a consequence of maternal illness and disease activity, interest has been raised about a contribution of this drug. However, the interferences between the external agent (in utero exposure to AZA), with the host (child genetic susceptibility, immune system anomalies, emotional status), environment (public health, social context, availability of health care), economic, social, and behavioral conditions, cultural patterns, are complex and represent confounding factors. In conclusion, it is necessary to perform studies on the medium and long-term outcome of children born by mothers with autoimmune diseases, treated with AZA, in order to show the safety of AZA exposure. Only large-scale population studies with long-term follow-up will allow to formally conclude in this field. TAKE HOME MESSAGES.

The use of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for inflammatory arthritis in Korea: results of a Korean Expert Consensus

Biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are highly effective agents for the treatment of inf lammatory arthritis; however, they also possess a potential risk for serious infection. Recently, with the rapid expansion of the bDMARDs market in Korea, reports of serious adverse events related to the agents have also increased, necessitating guidance for the use of bDMARDs. Current work entitled, "Expert consensus for the use of bDMARDs drugs for inflammatory arthritis in Korea," is the first to describe the appropriate use of bDMARDs in the management of inflammatory arthritis in Korea, with an aim to provide guidance for the local medical community to improve the quality of clinical care. Twelve consensus statements regarding the use of bDMARDs for the management of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis were generated. In this review, we provide detailed guidance on bDMARDs use based on expert consensus, including who should prescribe, the role of education, indications for use, and monitoring strategies for safety.

Development of ReproKnow, a reproductive knowledge assessment for women with rheumatic diseases

Background

The objective of this study was to develop an assessment tool, ReproKnow, to evaluate the reproductive health knowledge of women with a wide range of rheumatic diseases.

Methods

The 10-item multiple-choice questionnaire was developed with feedback from a panel of content experts and female patients with rheumatic diseases. Construct validity using known-groups analysis was evaluated through comparison of median total ReproKnow scores between rheumatology fellows and nurses. Female patients aged 18–50 years were recruited to take ReproKnow and demographic questionnaires in two outpatient clinics. Associations between patients’ mean total knowledge scores and demographic characteristics were assessed using independent-sample t-tests. Questions were also categorized by topical area, and the percentages were calculated.

Results

The completion rate of questions in ReproKnow was 100% across all users. Median ReproKnow scores were significantly higher among rheumatology fellows than among nurses (p = 0.045). The 153 patients recruited to the study had at least one of 15 rheumatic diseases. Patients’ mean knowledge score was 5.05 (SD 2.24) out of a possible high score of 10. Patients who were younger, White, and more educated had significantly higher scores than did other patients (p’s < 0.05). Patients who bore children after their disease diagnosis had higher knowledge scores than did women whose children were born prior to their diagnosis; in contrast, women with histories of surgical sterilization or hysterectomy had lower knowledge scores than other women. Knowledge scores of women who used potentially fetotoxic medications did not vary from the remainder of the sample. Patients demonstrated gaps in knowledge about birth outcomes, contraceptive efficacy, and breastfeeding safety.

Conclusions

Initial testing of ReproKnow suggests that it may be a promising tool to assess the reproductive health knowledge of women with diverse rheumatic diseases. Specific knowledge deficits elicited from ReproKnow may be important targets for future educational interventions.

Parental IBD and Long-term Health Outcomes in the Offspring

For decades, the research on reproductive consequences in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has focused on short-term outcomes, including adverse pregnancy outcomes (eg, abruptio placenta, placenta previa, preeclampsia/eclampsia) and adverse birth outcomes (eg, small for gestational age, preterm birth, and congenital malformations). The long-term health outcomes of the children of parents with IBD have been studied to a much lesser extent, and there is a critical research gap in understanding the influence of parental IBD on long-term outcomes. In this review, we propose the reasons for this lack of evidence and highlight the weakest areas of the research on the impact of parental IBD on offspring health. We will focus on health outcomes in children of parents with IBD from an age of 1 year through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Fetal Toxicity of Immunosuppressive Drugs in Pregnancy

Women affected by autoimmune diseases, organ transplantation, or neoplasia need to continue immunosuppressive treatment during pregnancy. In this setting, not only a careful planning of pregnancy, but also the choice of drugs is critical to preventing maternal complications and minimizing the fetal risks. Some immunosuppressive drugs are teratogenic and should be replaced even before the pregnancy, while other drugs need to be managed with caution to prevent fetal risks, including miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, and low birth weight. In particular, the increasing use of biologic agents raises the question of their compatibility with reproduction. In this review we present data on the indication and safety in pregnancy of the most frequently used immunosuppressive drugs.

Safety of important dermatological drugs (retinoids, immune suppressants, anti androgens and thalidomide) in reproductively active males with respect to pregnancy outcome: A brief review of literature

Paternally transmitted damage to offspring is recognized as a complex issue. Each parent contributes 23 chromosomes to a child; hence, it is necessary to know the effects of both maternal and paternal pre-and peri-conceptional exposure to drugs on pregnancy outcome. While there are many studies on the effects of maternal drug exposure on pregnancy outcome, literature on paternal exposure is scarce. Of late however, paternal exposure has been receiving increasing attention. We present a brief review on the safety of commonly used drugs in dermatology, focused on retinoids, immune suppressants, anti androgens and thalidomide.

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.

Practical Pearls About Current Rheumatic Medications

New and existing rheumatic disease is frequently encountered in the primary care setting. The number of medications used to treat various rheumatic conditions continues to increase. Some medications have very specific indications, whereas others have increasing off-label uses. Regardless of the indication, the medications used in rheumatology have variable dosing recommendations, significant side effects, recommended monitoring parameters, and potential medication interactions. Clinicians need to be aware of the potential uses as well as possible pitfalls associated with medications used in rheumatology.

Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome After Paternal Exposure to Methotrexate Within 90 Days Before Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between paternal exposure to methotrexate within the 90-day period before pregnancy and congenital malformations and stillbirth in the offspring.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide register study. Our cohort consisted of all live births in Denmark between 1997 and 2011 identified from the Medical Birth Registry. Methotrexate-exposed fathers were identified from the National Prescription Registry. From the national Hospital Registry we identified paternity, live births, and stillbirths as well as discharge diagnoses on congenital malformations.

RESULTS

We identified 849,676 live births with known paternity. There were 127 live births of methotrexate-exposed fathers. Of these, four (3.2%) had major malformations compared with 28,814 (3.4%) of the unexposed. The odds ratio (OR) for major congenital malformation among exposed fathers compared with unexposed was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-2.51) and when adjusted for year of birth, maternal age, educational length, household income, and parity, the adjusted OR was 1.01 (95% CI 0.37-2.74). There were no stillbirths in the methotrexate-exposed group compared with 2,541 (0.3%) in the unexposed group and no increased risk of preterm birth (adjusted OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.66-2.59) among the children from exposed fathers.

CONCLUSION

We found no association between paternal exposure to methotrexate within 90 days before pregnancy and congenital malformations, stillbirths, or preterm birth. Available data suggest that prepregnancy paternal methotrexate exposure should not be of major concern. Multinational recommendations should be changed accordingly.

[New horizons in the use of biological agents during pregnancy in patients with rheumatic disease]

Pregnancy in the presence of rheumatic diseases (RD) and adequate therapy before planned conception, during gestation, and after delivery during lactation is challenging. Advances in the treatment of RD are largely due to the clinical introduction of a new class of biological agents (BAs). There are less than two decades of experience in using BAs in rheumatology and to date there are no unified standards and accepted rules governing their use during pregnancy. According to the current requirements, information on a medicine should be given in three sections: 1) pregnancy; 2) lactation, and 3) use in men and women who are planning concept (the latter section has appeared for the first time). The present article summarizes data on the possible use of BAs in patients with RD during pregnancy planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

The Influence of Methotrexate Treatment on Male Fertility and Pregnancy Outcome After Paternal Exposure

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease incidence peaks during the reproductive years. Methotrexate (MTX) is frequently used for inflammatory bowel disease, but its use during pregnancy is contraindicated in women because of teratogenic effects. The aim of this review is to investigate the influence of MTX on male fertility and pregnancy outcomes after paternal MTX exposure.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed by applying 2 focus areas, "methotrexate" and "male fertility or pregnancy outcome." Terms and keywords were used both as MeSH terms and free-text searches. Pertinent articles were searched for additional relevant references.

RESULTS

In animal studies, MTX induces aberrations in sperm DNA that have not been identified in humans. The effects of MTX on human sperm quality have only been described in case reports. A transient adverse effect on sperm quality with low-dose MTX has been reported, but several other cases have not found harmful effects of MTX. MTX has not been measured in human sperm ejaculates; yet, the risk of a direct toxic effect on the fetus through MTX-contaminated seminal plasma seems negligible. Until now, 284 pregnancies with paternal MTX exposure have been reported. The outcomes were 248 live births and a total of 13 malformations, with no overt indication of MTX embryopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

This review reveals the lack of studies on the safety of MTX with regard to male reproduction. It is not clear whether MTX transiently influences male fertility and sperm DNA integrity, and more studies are needed. Comparative cohort studies found no increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Counselling regarding paternal exposures: Can we do better?

BACKGROUND

MotherSafe is a free telephone-based counselling service for the general public and healthcare providers concerned about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Calls relating to paternal exposures are less common, but can cause distress to the person concerned. This review seeks to identify the key concerns and what information is available to address these concerns.

AIMS

To review calls made to MotherSafe about paternal exposures to teratogens during the 16 year period, 2000-2015, and to document any patterns or changes in calls over the period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective descriptive assessment of a prospectively collected database (2000-2015) was undertaken. Telephone counselling records identified the drugs of concern regarding paternal exposures. The information about paternal exposures provided in consumer and production information was also reviewed.

RESULTS

Of a total of 253 103 calls received at MotherSafe between 2000 and 2015, 1072 calls (0.4%) were regarding paternal exposures. The majority of these calls related to immunomodifiers (19%), hair loss products (11%) and antidepressant medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Paternal exposures represent a small proportion of all the counselling calls made to MotherSafe. The study highlighted the deficient and often misleading information about paternal exposures found in most consumer and product information sheets or via the internet. The study indicates the important role of Teratogen Information Services like Mothersafe in providing evidence-based information to both consumers and healthcare providers.

Risk of serious infections associated with use of immunosuppressive agents in pregnant women with autoimmune inflammatory conditions: cohort study

Objective To compare the risk of serious infections associated with use of systemic steroids, non-biologic agents, or tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) inhibitors in pregnancy.Design Observational cohort study.Setting Public (Medicaid, 2001-10) or private (Optum Clinformatics, 2004-15) health insurance programs in the US.Participants 4961 pregnant women treated with immunosuppressive drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease.Exposure for observational studies Exposure was classified into steroid, non-biologic, or TNF inhibitors on first filled prescription during pregnancy. Because TNF inhibitors are not used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus, patients with this condition were excluded from comparisons involving TNF inhibitors.Main outcome measure The main outcome was occurrence of serious infections during pregnancy, defined by hospital admission for bacterial or opportunistic infections. Hazard ratios were derived using Cox proportional hazard regression models after adjustment for confounding with propensity score fine stratification. A logistic regression model was used to conduct a dose-response analysis among women filling at least one steroid prescription.Results 71 out of 4961 pregnant women (0.2%) treated with immunosuppressive agents experienced serious infections. The crude incidence rates of serious infections per 100 person years among 2598 steroid users, 1587 non-biologic users, and 776 TNF inhibitors users included in this study were 3.4 (95% confidence interval 2.5 to 4.7), 2.3 (1.5 to 3.5), and 1.5 (0.7 to 3.0), respectively. No statistically significant differences in the risk of serious infections during pregnancy were observed among users of the three immunosuppressive drug classes: non-biologics v steroids, hazard ratio 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.48 to 1.37), TNF inhibitors v steroids 0.91 (0.36 to 2.26), and TNF inhibitors v non-biologics 1.36 (0.47 to 3.93). In the dose-response analysis, higher steroid dose was associated with an increased risk of serious infections during pregnancy (coefficient for each unit increase in average prednisone equivalent mg daily dose=0.019, P=0.02).Conclusions Risk of serious infections is similar among pregnant women with systemic inflammatory conditions using steroids, non-biologics, and TNF inhibitors. However, high dose steroid use is an independent risk factor of serious infections in pregnancy.

Birth Outcomes in Children Fathered by Men Treated with Anti-TNF-α Agents Before Conception

OBJECTIVES

The safety of paternal use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) agents immediately prior to conception is practically unknown. On the basis of nationwide data from Danish health registries, we examined the association between paternal use of anti-TNF-α agents within 3 months before conception and adverse birth outcomes.

METHODS

This nationwide cohort study is based on data from all women who had a live born singleton child in Denmark from 1 January 2007 through 2013. Children fathered by men treated with anti-TNF-α agents within three months before conception constituted the exposed cohort (N=372), and children fathered by men not treated before conception constituted the unexposed cohort (N=399,498). The outcomes were congenital abnormalities (CAs), preterm birth, and small for gestational age (SGA). We adjusted for multiple covariates, and considered paternal underlying disease and concomitant medication.

RESULTS

The adjusted risks of CAs and preterm birth were close to unity, and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for SGA was 1.70 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94-3.09). Restricting our analysis to fathers with inflammatory bowel disease, we found no increased risk of CAs or SGA, and the adjusted OR for pretem birth was 1.42 (95% CI: 0.52-3.86). Restricting our analysis to fathers with rheumatologic/dermatological diseases, we found no increased risk of CAs or preterm birth, and the adjusted OR for SGA was 1.70 (95% CI: 0.74-3.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results are overall reassuring regarding the safety of paternal preconceptional use of anti-TNF-α agents. The result regarding SGA should, however, be interpreted with caution as we found an increased risk, although not significantly increased.

Critical review of the current recommendations for the treatment of systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases during pregnancy and lactation

The crucial issue for a better pregnancy outcome in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases is appropriate planning, with counseling of the ideal timing and treatment adaptation. Drugs used to treat rheumatic diseases may interfere with fertility or increase the risk of miscarriages and congenital abnormalities. MTX use post-conception is clearly linked to abortions as well as major birth defects, so it should be stopped 3months before conception. Leflunomide causes abnormalities in animals even in low doses. Although in humans, it does not seem to be as harmful as MTX, when pregnancy is detected in a patient on leflunomide, cholestyramine is given for washout. Sulfasalazine can be used safely and is an option for those patients who were on MTX or leflunomide. Azathioprine is generally the immunosuppressive of choice in many high-risk pregnancy centers because of the safety profile and its steroid-sparing property. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus can also be used as steroid-sparing agents, but experience is smaller. Although prednisone and prednisolone are inactivated in the placenta, we try to limit the dose to the minimal effective one, to prevent side effects. Antimalarials have been broadly studied and are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Among biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic agents (bDMARD), the anti-TNFs that have been used for longer are the ones with greater experience. The large monoclonal antibodies do not cross the placenta in the first trimester, and after conception, the decision to continue medication should be taken individually. The experience is larger in women with inflammatory bowel diseases, where anti-TNF is generally maintained at least until 30weeks to reduce fetal exposure. Live vaccines should not be administrated to the infant in the first 6months of life. Pregnancy data for rituximab, abatacept, anakinra, tocilizumab, ustekinumab, belimumab, and tofacitinib are limited and their use in pregnancy cannot currently be recommended.