Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's and Ulcerative colitis) have been increasing alarmingly in Brazil. They affect mainly young people at reproductive age, which is extremely worrying in such a young country. To date, there´s no study that demonstrates how these diseases can affect pregnant women, like drug side effects and how off-springs of Brazilian patients evolve over time. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to analyze the side effects of medications used by patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) during pregnancy; to assess the impact of disease activity on the course of pregnancy and fetal development and to monitor the development of these children. METHODS: This was a longitudinal retrospective analysis of patients registered over time (2007/2024), regarding the medications used during the conception, side effects, complications during pregnancy and post-delivery. All patients were recruited at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease service at Scope Clinic, located in the Midwest region of Brazil. RESULTS: Out of the 329 patients, 25 got pregnant (mean age 30.38 years), 48% were in endoscopic activity and 52% were in remission at conception time, and all patients maintained prescribed medication (chimeric and fully human anti-TNF agents, as well as immunosuppressive medications). Disease activity had direct influence on the babies' weight and on the Apgar score when compared to women in remission, but despite this fact, prematurity was not observed. No undesirable drug effects were observed in both groups (mother and fetus), endorsing their safety over this population. In the postpartum follow-up over a period of two years, no abnormalities were observed. CONCLUSION: This study shows the importance of continuously monitoring patients with inflammatory disease and guiding them on drug maintenance and the most appropriate time for conception.
Source: Arquivos de Gastroenterologia
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223704100