Pregnancy in People With Cystic Fibrosis Treated With Highly Effective Modulator Therapy

With improvements in overall health attributable to newly available medications called highly effective modulator therapy, an increasing number of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) are pursuing pregnancy. However, the safety of these medications for pregnant people with CF and the fetus remains largely unknown. Limited data demonstrate a decline in patients' health and well-being after withdrawal of highly effective modulator therapy during pregnancy; however, both animal and human studies suggest an association between highly effective modulator therapy and cataracts in the offspring that requires further investigation. Use of highly effective modulator therapy can also affect the results of newborn screening and may influence fetal outcomes among fetuses affected by CF as a result of transplacental passage of highly effective modulator therapy. An ongoing prospective cohort study will likely provide more information for pregnant people with CF. Until then, multidisciplinary counseling continues to be critical for people with CF who are of reproductive age.