RESEARCH - Anti-TNF therapy and pregnancy outcomes in women with inflammatory arthritis

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Anti-TNF Therapy and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Inflammatory Arthritis

From Expert Review of Clinical Immunology

Posted 02/04/2009

e Vinet, MD; Christian Pineau, MD; Caroline Gordon, MD; Ann E.

e, MD, MSc; Sasha Bernatsky, MD, PhD

Abstract

Women suffering from inflammatory arthritis may experience a change in

disease activity during and after pregnancy. Although the majority

will improve, some women may need to continue therapy throughout

pregnancy and/or in the lactation period. Since certain

disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have proven to be human

teratogens, treatment is limited in these women. Anti-TNF agents fall

within the US FDA category B concerning fetal risk, indicating that no

adequate and well-controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant

or lactating women. However, in the last decade, numerous case series

and case reports of pregnancies exposed to anti-TNF therapy have

accumulated in the literature. Since these agents may constitute an

important therapeutic alternative in pregnant women facing persistent

or increased disease activity, we propose a review of the available

information on the safety of anti-TNF agents in pregnancy and

lactation.

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Read the whole article here:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586961

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