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[Crohn's disease and pregnancy]
Langenbecks Archiv Fur Chirurgie
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Pregnancy has minimal impact on Crohn's disease progression. However, higher disease activity correlates with increased miscarriage risk during pregnancy. Medical or surgical intervention is only advised for Crohn's exacerbations or complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Immunology
Context:
- Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with complex etiology.
- The interplay between pregnancy and Crohn's disease requires further elucidation.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for managing IBD patients of childbearing age.
Purpose:
- To investigate the influence of pregnancy on the course of Crohn's disease.
- To assess the impact of Crohn's disease activity and extent on pregnancy outcomes, specifically miscarriage rates.
- To determine the indications for medical or surgical management during pregnancy for Crohn's disease patients.
Summary:
- A study of 342 Crohn's disease patients between 1964-1981 identified 47 women who became pregnant.
- Pregnancy generally shows little effect on the natural course of Crohn's disease.
- Increased miscarriage incidence was observed with greater Crohn's disease activity and bowel involvement.
Impact:
- Pregnancy does not significantly alter Crohn's disease progression.
- Elevated Crohn's disease activity during pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of miscarriage.
- Therapeutic interventions for Crohn's disease during pregnancy should be reserved for disease exacerbations or complications.