REVIEW - Use of anti-TNF therapy in IBD during pregnancy and conception

[Guest guest]

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Feb 14 [Epub ahead of print]

Review article: the use of anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel

disease during pregnancy and conception.

O Donnell S, O Morain C.

Department of Gastroenterology, AMNCH/ Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.

Background: One of the most frequently asked questions during

consultation with those affected by Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

is what are its effects on pregnancy, and how will the treatment

impact on conception and pregnancy outcomes. Aim: The aim of this

article is to review available data regarding the safety of biological

therapies during pregnancy, primarily in woman with IBD. Methods: A

medline search was performed and available original research and

review articles relating to the use of biological (Anti-TNF-alpha)

therapies in IBD were reviewed. Where information regarding the use of

a drug in IBD during pregnancy was limited, articles referring to its

use for other indications, such as rheumatoid arthritis, were

reviewed. Results: Based on available data, biological therapies

appear to be safe in pregnancy. Most studies looking at the effects of

any one medication on pregnancy in IBD are confounded by the fact that

most patients are on multiple medications and have varying levels of

disease activity. Stopping therapy in the third trimester should be

considered. Large registries with longer follow up periods will be

necessary before firm conclusions about the safety of Anti-TNF-alpha

therapies during conception and pregnancy can be drawn.

PMID: 18284649

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18284649

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