Abstract

Abstract Background Though previous studies have suggested that most therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are safe during pregnancy, the effect of these medications on placental-related diseases remain unknown. Aims To determine the effect of gestational medication exposure on pregnancy-related outcomes in patients with IBD. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the University of Alberta and University of Toronto pregnancy databases to identify patients (age > 18) who underwent routine assessment by a gastroenterologist at least once during pregnancy (first trimester (T1), second trimester (T2), and third trimester (T3). Pregnancy-related outcomes (maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal) were recorded from obstetrical records. Low-birth weight (LBW) was defined as an infant weight < 2500g at birth. Pre-term delivery was defined as birth < 37 weeks gestation. Medication exposure, such as 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA), thiopurines, steroids, and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy was recorded for each trimester. Categorical variables were statistically compared using the Chi-square (x2) test through the SPSS software. Results A total of 84 patients were included. Compared to those not exposed to thiopurines, patients exposed to thiopurine therapy during T2 had an increased risk of pre-term birth (26.7% vs. 7.7%, p=0.046) and pre-eclampsia (13.3% vs. 0%, p=0.008) and a trend towards an increased risk of placental abruption (6.7% vs, 0%, p=0.061). Furthermore, compared to those not treated with corticosteroids, those prescribed corticosteroid therapy during any trimester had an increased risk of pre-term birth (T1 exposure: 50% vs. 10.2%, p=0.024; T2 exposure: 37.5% vs. 8.5%. p=0.018; T3 exposure: 42.9% vs. 8.8%, p=0.008) and infants born with LBW (T1 exposure: 50.0% vs. 7.8%, p=0.009; T2 exposure: 37.5% vs. 8.2%, p=0.015; T3 exposure: 57.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.0005). Those exposed to corticosteroids in T3 only had an increased risk of PPROM (60.0% vs. 7.5%, p=0.0003) and chorioamnionitis (14.3% vs. 0%, p=0.002). Finally, anti-TNF therapy in T2 was associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia (9.1% vs. 0%, p=0.040. 5-ASA therapy was not associated with an increased risk of any adverse pregnancy-related outcome. No medication increased the risk of other maternal (i.e. gestational diabetes, emergency Cesarean-section delivery) and neonatal (intensive care unit admission, congenital anomalies) outcomes. Conclusions Placental related diseases, such as pre-eclampsia, appear to be increased with maternal exposure to thiopurine and anti-TNF therapy during pregnancy. Larger studies are required to confirm these associations. Funding Agencies None

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