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Published on: June 24, 2020
Management of Pregnant Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A De Lima-Karagiannis1, P Juillerat2, S Sebastian3
1Erasmus University Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Netherlands.
Insights
Caring for pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges. This paper addresses key clinical questions to guide management for optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic poses risks to all populations, with particular concern for vulnerable groups.
- Pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require careful management due to the complexities of balancing maternal health and fetal well-being.
- Managing IBD during pregnancy often involves immunosuppressive medications, adding complexity during a pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address critical questions encountered in daily clinical practice regarding the care of pregnant IBD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To provide evidence-based guidance for healthcare providers managing this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- This paper synthesizes current knowledge and expert opinion.
- It focuses on answering practical clinical queries relevant to the management of pregnant IBD patients amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
Main Results:
- The paper discusses the implications of COVID-19 on pregnant IBD patients.
- It provides insights into medication management, disease monitoring, and potential risks.
- Guidance is offered on optimizing care strategies.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of pregnant IBD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic requires a tailored approach.
- Addressing specific clinical questions is crucial for ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and child.
- Continued vigilance and adaptation of care protocols are necessary.
Abstract:
The rapid emergence of the novel coronavirus [SARS-CoV2] and the coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] has caused significant global morbidity and mortality. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Care for pregnant IBD patients in itself is a complex issue because of the delicate balance between controlling maternal IBD as well as promoting the health of the unborn child. This often requires continued immunosuppressive maintenance medication or the introduction of new IBD medication during pregnancy. The current global COVID-19 pandemic creates an additional challenge in the management of pregnant IBD patients. In this paper we aimed to answer relevant questions that can be encountered in daily clinical practice when caring for pregnant women with IBD during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Podcast:
This article has an associated podcast which can be accessed at https://academic.oup.com/ecco-jcc/pages/podcast.
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