Related Experiment Videos
Inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 4076, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. skane@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|March 15, 2003
Summary
Infertility can occur with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly Crohn's disease and after ulcerative colitis surgery. However, maintaining IBD treatment during pregnancy is generally safer than active disease, with most medications being safe for fetal development.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Reproductive Medicine
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Management
- Pregnancy Outcomes in Chronic Illness
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, conditions impacting fertility and pregnancy.
- Disease activity at conception is a critical factor influencing pregnancy outcomes in women with IBD.
- Previous research indicates potential risks to both fertility and fetal development associated with active IBD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
- To assess the safety of IBD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- To compare the risks of active IBD versus maintaining medical therapy during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on IBD, fertility, and pregnancy.
- Analysis of adverse fetal outcomes in relation to IBD disease activity.
- Evaluation of medication safety profiles for IBD treatments during pregnancy and lactation.
Main Results:
- Fertility is compromised in ulcerative colitis post-surgery and active Crohn's disease.
- Quiescent IBD does not elevate the risk of adverse fetal outcomes.
- Active disease at conception significantly increases the likelihood of adverse fetal outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining medical therapy for IBD during pregnancy is generally safer than allowing active disease.
- Most IBD medications are deemed safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Active inflammatory bowel disease poses a greater risk to fetal outcomes than the risks associated with prescribed medical treatments.