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Crohn's disease and pregnancy.
K Woolfson1, Z Cohen, R S McLeod
1Division of General Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Canada.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Pregnancy outcomes are not adversely affected by Crohn's disease. However, active Crohn's disease during pregnancy is linked to poorer outcomes, regardless of treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Obstetrics
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- The impact of CD on pregnancy outcomes and vice versa requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of Crohn's disease on pregnancy outcomes.
- To evaluate the influence of pregnancy on the course of Crohn's disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 78 pregnancies in 50 patients with Crohn's disease.
- Analysis of pregnancy outcomes based on disease activity at conception and during pregnancy.
- Assessment of disease course during pregnancy, considering medication and surgical treatments.
Main Results:
- 27% of pregnancies had abnormal outcomes (spontaneous abortions, SGA, preterm birth, respiratory distress).
- Active disease at conception (50% vs. 21%) and during pregnancy (55% vs. 12%) significantly correlated with adverse outcomes (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively).
- Neither medical nor surgical treatments, nor pregnancy itself, adversely affected disease course; medication use did not impact relapse rates.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy outcomes are not generally compromised by Crohn's disease.
- Active Crohn's disease during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Disease management and activity are key factors influencing pregnancy success in CD patients.