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Crohn disease and pregnancy.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|May 1, 1976
Summary
Women with Crohn disease (CD) may experience reduced fertility. However, pregnancy outcomes are similar to the general population, and CD is not worsened by pregnancy, though pregnancy termination can trigger a relapse.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Reproductive Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Crohn disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition.
- Reproductive health in women with CD is a significant concern for patients and clinicians.
- Previous research on fertility and pregnancy outcomes in CD has yielded mixed results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate fertility rates in women with Crohn disease.
- To assess pregnancy outcomes and their impact on disease activity.
- To determine the effect of pregnancy on the course of Crohn disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 78 women with Crohn disease capable of childbearing.
- Analysis of 42 pregnancies over a 20-year period at a major medical center.
- Comparison of pregnancy outcomes with the general population and assessment of disease relapse rates.
Main Results:
- Fertility appeared decreased in women with Crohn disease, irrespective of disease location.
- Pregnancy outcomes were comparable to those in the general population.
- No adverse effect of pregnancy on Crohn disease activity was observed, but 24% of terminations were followed by disease relapse.
Conclusions:
- Crohn disease may be associated with reduced fertility.
- Pregnancy itself does not appear to negatively impact Crohn disease.
- Termination of pregnancy is a potential trigger for Crohn disease relapse.