Identifying Patient Priorities for Preconception and Pregnancy Counseling in IBD

Contraception, fertility and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): a survey of the perspectives of patients, gastroenterologists and women's healthcare providers

OBJECTIVE

Despite guidelines indicating no contraindications for contraceptives in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this population shows increased voluntary childlessness and lower contraceptive use. Knowledge gaps among healthcare providers on IBD's impact on fertility and contraception may drive these trends. This survey assessed knowledge discrepancies among IBD patients, gastroenterologists (GEs), and women's healthcare providers (WHPs) regarding fertility and contraception.

METHODS

An anonymous survey was conducted between August and December 2023, targeting IBD patients of childbearing age, GEs and WHPs. The questionnaire was offered consecutively to all patients consulting or hospitalised in our department. Additionally, the survey link was shared with healthcare professionals during dedicated training sessions. It assessed awareness of IBD-related fertility and contraception impacts.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-two participants fulfilled the survey (100 patients, 50 GEs and 72 WHPs). Among patients (63% with Crohn's disease), 95% were on biologic or immunosuppressant therapy. Nearly half (47%) of women had not discussed fertility or contraception with their GE, and only 22% had done so on request. A majority (80% of women, 54% of GEs) were unsure if IBD affects contraception efficacy, and 50% of WHPs believed oral contraceptives to be less effective for IBD patients. Key concerns influencing patients' fertility decisions included the impact of IBD medication on pregnancy (51%), risk of passing IBD to offspring (47%) and potential flare-ups during pregnancy (39%).

CONCLUSION

Significant knowledge gaps on fertility and contraception in IBD persist among patients, GEs and WHPs.

Pregnancy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Data from a Real-World Cohort in Germany

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently manifests at a young age, during the peak fertility years. Understanding the risks of negative pregnancy outcomes associated with IBD is crucial for effective pregnancy management and support. Additionally, it is essential to provide patients with the necessary knowledge to make informed choices and foster their confidence in navigating pregnancy while maintaining effective disease management. Although IBD frequently appears during the peak fertility years, knowledge about managing pregnancy in the context of IBD remains limited and often inaccurate among both physicians and patients. Our study aims to assess the complications occurring during pregnancy in patients with IBD, considering the level of disease activity, and to evaluate the standard of care provided to patients with chronic inflammatory conditions through a cohort analysis. Methods: Patients with IBD who had children were included in this single-center mixed-method (retrospective and prospective) study. Clinical data, disease progression, course of pregnancy, and complications were examined in women. Outcomes for children of men with IBD were also analyzed. To supplement the data, a survey addressing various pregnancy-related topics, including all patients from the university outpatient clinic for IBD, was conducted over a period of six months. Results: A total of 410 patients were screened retrospectively between 2010 and 2021. In total, 134 patients who had children were included in the study: 51.4% (n = 69) had Crohn's disease, 44% (n = 59) had ulcerative colitis, and 4.6% (n = 6) had unclassified inflammatory bowel disease. Of the women, 85% (n = 34) were in remission for at least three months before pregnancy, 14.6% (n = 6) experienced an acute flare-up during pregnancy, and 10.3% (n = 4) and 7.7% (n = 3) had active disease at the time of delivery and during breastfeeding, respectively. Patients with IBD who were in remission before pregnancy did not experience a higher risk of pregnancy complications (no cases of pre-eclampsia or placental abruption were reported in this group). However, the rates of gestational diabetes and fever during pregnancy were 10% for those in remission, compared to 25% for those with active disease. Conclusions: Patients with IBD in remission did not present an increased risk of pregnancy complications. However, our survey indicates that those with active disease at conception were more likely to experience complications such as gestational diabetes and fever. These findings underscore the importance of adequate patient education regarding the safety of various IBD medications during pregnancy in order to avoid pregnancy-related complications.

Navigating Reproductive Care in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is often diagnosed in patients during their reproductive years. It is crucial that both healthcare providers and patients are adequately informed to avoid misguided decisions regarding family planning. One of the most important aspects during conception and pregnancy is to maintain disease remission, as disease activity is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Apart from methotrexate, most conventional drugs used in IBD are considered low risk during conception and pregnancy. For newer agents, evidence is still limited. If needed, surgery must not be postponed and should ideally be performed in specialized centres. In most patients, delivery should be vaginal except for patients with complex perianal disease, with an ileoanal pouch anastomosis, or if there is an obstetric contraindication. In children exposed to biological treatments during pregnancy, the risk of infections appears to be low, and psychomotor development is probably not affected. Regarding immunizations, the standard vaccination schedule for inactivated vaccines should be followed for children exposed to biologics in utero. In the case of live vaccines, such as rotavirus, decisions should be individualized and take into consideration the risk-benefit ratio, particularly in developing countries. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and updated overview of aspects related to fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the impact on the care of children born to mothers with IBD. Both the available evidence and areas of uncertainty are discussed, with the goal of assisting healthcare professionals caring for IBD patients during this important stage of their lives.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Reproductive Health: A Focus on Pregnancy Planning and Outcomes

Reproductive counseling is crucial for women's health, especially for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which often affects younger patients during their childbearing years. Patients with IBD need special considerations when planning for pregnancy. Preconception counseling is important as it helps patients make informed decisions about pregnancy and allows for optimal management of IBD before, during, and after pregnancy. In this review, we aim to provide guidance for managing and treating patients with IBD throughout the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum period.

Updates on the management of inflammatory bowel disease from periconception to pregnancy and lactation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects reproductive planning due to psychological effects and mechanical problems related to surgery. Children of people with IBD have an increased risk of about 10% if one parent has IBD and up to 33% if both parents have IBD. The fertility of people with IBD is similar to the general population, but fertility might be reduced in individuals with active IBD, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, or perianal Crohn's disease. Flaring disease during pregnancy increases complications, such as preterm birth. Thus, disease management with appropriate medications can optimise outcomes. As most medications have minimal fetal risks, people with IBD should be informed about the risks of stopping medications and the importance of maintaining remission. A period of disease remission is advisable before pregnancy and could reduce the risks for both the pregnant person and the fetus. Flexible endoscopy, intestinal ultrasound, and gadolinium-free magnetic resonance enterography are safe during pregnancy. We provide state-of-the-art knowledge on the basis of the latest evidence to ensure successful pregnancy outcomes in controlled IBD.

A scoping review of the dietary information needs of people with inflammatory bowel disease

AIMS

This review aimed to explore and describe the dietary information needs of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease and sources of information.

METHODS

A scoping review of English language articles and grey literature, using electronic databases with a predefined search strategy was undertaken. Data were synthesised based on the identified variables (e.g. dietary information needs and sources of dietary information) corresponding to the aims of this review.

RESULTS

Forty-six studies were included, reporting data from 7557 people with inflammatory bowel disease, of which 58.6% had Crohn's disease and 60.1% were males. Dietary information was rated very important and appeared to be influenced by the disease course. The need to discuss it is heightened at important stages, namely diagnosis and relapse. Dietary information was described broadly and included advice about foods to avoid and dietary advice for symptoms management. No major differences were noted in the dietary information needs of people with Crohn's disease compared to ulcerative colitis. The main sources of dietary information were the gastroenterologist (36%-98%), the internet (9%-60%) and non-dietetic professionals (84.7%).

CONCLUSION

This review highlights limited literature describing the dietary information needs of people with inflammatory bowel disease. Importantly, the limited access to specialised dietary advice for this cohort is concerning. Future studies are required to explore not only the nuances in the needs of those with active disease and in remission, but to further understand issues of access to specialised dietary advice to provide holistic person-centred care desired by this cohort.

Characteristics and associated factors of health information-seeking behaviour among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in the digital era: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Health Information-Seeking Behaviour (HISB) is necessary for self-management and medical decision-making among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With the advancement of information technology, health information needs and seeking are reshaped among patients with IBD. This scoping review aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of HISB of people with IBD in the digital age.

METHODS

This scoping review adhered to Arksey and O'Malley's framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews frameworks (PRISMA-ScR). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and three Chinese databases from January 1, 2010 to April 10, 2023. Employing both deductive and inductive content analysis, we scrutinized studies using Wilson's model.

RESULTS

In total, 56 articles were selected. Within the information dimension of HISB among patients with IBD, treatment-related information, particularly medication-related information, was identified as the most critical information need. Other information requirements included basic IBD-related information, daily life and self-management, sexual and reproductive health, and other needs. In the sources dimension, of the eight common sources of information, the internet was the most frequently mentioned source of information, while face-to-face communication with healthcare professionals was the preferred source. Associated factors were categorized into six categories: demographic characteristics, psychological aspects, role-related or interpersonal traits, environmental aspects, source-related characteristics, and disease-related factors. Moreover, the results showed five types of HISB among people with IBD, including active searching, ongoing searching, passive attention, passive searching, and avoid seeking. Notably, active searching, especially social information seeking, appeared to be the predominant common type of HISB among people with IBD in the digital era.

CONCLUSION

Information needs and sources for patients with IBD exhibit variability, and their health information-seeking behaviour is influenced by a combination of diverse factors, including resource-related and individual factors. Future research should focus on the longitudinal changes in HISB among patients with IBD. Moreover, efforts should be made to develop information resources that are both convenient and provide credible information services, although the development of such resources requires further investigation and evaluation.

Patients with autoimmune skin diseases are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes

BACKGROUND

Increased rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes have been reported in association with rheumatologic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis. However, little is known about pregnancy outcomes in patients with autoimmune skin diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with autoimmune skin diseases. We hypothesized that similar to rheumatic diseases, the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with autoimmune skin diseases would be higher than the general population.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a case control study using the TriNetX US Collaborative Network, which is a database of electronic medical records of >95 million patients seen at 57 healthcare organizations in the United States. All pregnant women between the ages of 15 and 44 years who were seen at a healthcare organization between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021 were included. Participants with autoimmune skin disease were matched to healthy controls and controls with systemic rheumatologic conditions (systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis). For both the autoimmune skin disease and healthy control groups, those with systemic rheumatologic condition or hidradenitis suppurativa were excluded. The primary outcomes were adverse pregnancy outcomes defined as spontaneous abortion, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia or eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Patients with autoimmune skin diseases and controls were 1:1 propensity score-matched by age, race, ethnicity, comorbidities, obesity, and substance use. For each outcome, odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 2788 patients with autoimmune skin diseases were matched to 2788 healthy controls. Patients with autoimmune skin diseases were at a higher risk of spontaneous abortions than controls (odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-1.75; P<.001). Compared with patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, patients with autoimmune skin diseases were at lower risk of having infants with intrauterine growth restriction (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-0.87; P=.01), preterm birth (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.98; P=.04), and stillbirth (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.97; P=.04). The differences in adverse pregnancy outcomes between patients with autoimmune skin diseases and those with rheumatoid arthritis were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Patients with autoimmune skin diseases are at a higher risk of spontaneous abortions than patients without autoimmune skin diseases. When analyzed by each autoimmune skin disease, patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus or vitiligo remained at increased risk of spontaneous abortions compared with patients without autoimmune skin diseases. Patients with autoimmune skin diseases have similar risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes as patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but lower risks than patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a peak age of diagnosis before the age of 35 years. Concerns about infertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and heritability of IBD have influenced decision-making for patients of childbearing age and their care providers. The interplay between the complex physiology in pregnancy and IBD can affect placental development, microbiome composition and responses to therapy. Current evidence has shown that effective disease management, including pre-conception counselling, multidisciplinary care and therapeutic agents to minimize disease activity, can improve pregnancy outcomes. This Review outlines the management of IBD in pregnancy and the safety of IBD therapies, including novel agents, with regard to both maternal and fetal health. The vast majority of IBD therapies can be used with low risk during pregnancy and lactation without substantial effects on neonatal outcomes.

Fertility and Pregnancy in Crohn's Disease

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease is continuing to increase worldwide and is more commonly diagnosed in women of reproductive age. Individuals with Crohn's disease may have inaccurate perceptions regarding the rate of infertility, heritability, and the safety of taking therapies for Crohn's disease during pregnancy, all of which greatly affect their decisions surrounding family planning. Given this area of need for both patients and providers, in this article, we have included the latest evidence on the impact of Crohn's disease on fertility, heritability, pregnancy outcomes, and the safety of medications for Crohn's disease during pregnancy and lactation.

Outcomes of Continuation vs Discontinuation of Adalimumab Therapy During Third Trimester of Pregnancy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background and Aims

Adalimumab (ADA) transport across the placenta increases with gestational age advances. We evaluated child-mother health outcomes related to the timing of the last ADA dose before delivery.

Methods

Using IBM MarketScan data, we collected records for all children exposed to ADA during intrauterine life. We compared milestone achievements, congenital malformations, and respiratory infections rates in children from mothers of 2 groups: (1) a late ADA group, which continued therapy until 90 days or fewer before delivery; and (2) an early ADA group, which discontinued therapy more than 90 days before delivery. We also assessed the risk of flaring for mothers in the early group.

Results

There were no significant differences in growth (P = .48), developmental delays (P = .25), or congenital malformations (P = .61) in the 427 children of the late group vs 70 children of early ADA group. Continuing ADA late in pregnancy did not increase the respiratory infection rate (P = .38). No differences occurred between groups in cesarean and premature delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, and stillbirths. ADA discontinuation was the only predictor of flaring in the third trimester of pregnancy (odds ratio = 6.04, 95% confidence interval 2.66-13.7). In the late group, mothers' risk of flaring decreased (16/447 vs 13/73, P < .001). Mothers with active disease were more likely to deliver prematurely vs mothers with quiet disease (6/29 vs 31/491, P = .003).

Conclusion

Continuation of ADA in pregnancy close to delivery is of low risk for children. Early discontinuation, however, increases the risk of flaring in mothers and the likelihood of premature deliveries.

A Novel Decision Aid Improves Quality of Reproductive Decision-Making and Pregnancy Knowledge for Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with poor IBD-specific reproductive knowledge experience more childlessness and fear of IBD medications in pregnancy. The Pregnancy in IBD Decision Aid (PIDA), developed by an international multidisciplinary team, offers personalized online decision support regarding pregnancy in IBD.

AIMS

Assess the impact of PIDA on quality of reproductive decision-making and pregnancy-related knowledge among preconception (PC) and pregnant patients with IBD, and evaluate acceptability to patients and clinicians.

METHODS

PC and pregnant patients with IBD aged 18-45 completed questionnaires pre- and post-PIDA to assess quality of decision-making (Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS); Decision Self-Efficacy Scale (DSES) and IBD-in-pregnancy knowledge (Crohn's and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge Score (CCPKnow)). Paired t test assessed for differences pre- and post-PIDA. Patients and clinicians completed acceptability surveys.

RESULTS

DCS and DSES were completed by 74 patients (42 Crohn's disease, 32 ulcerative colitis); 41 PC and 33 pregnant. DCS improved significantly post-PIDA in PC patients regarding pregnancy planning (t(40) = 4.83, p < 0.0001, Cohen's d_z = 0.75) and in pregnant patients regarding medication management (t(32) = 2.37, p = 0.0242, d_z = 0.41). DSES for PC patients improved significantly post-PIDA (t(40) = -3.56, p = 0.001, d_z = -0.56). CCPKnow improved significantly post-PIDA in PC (t(42) = 4.93, p < 0.0001, d_z = -0.75) and pregnant patients (t(32) = 5.1, p < 0.0001, d_z = -0.89). PIDA was deemed optimal for length, readability, and content amount and considered highly useful by patients (n = 73) and clinicians (n = 14).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients using PIDA developed an improved quality of reproductive decision-making and IBD-in-pregnancy knowledge. PIDA is an accessible tool that can empower women with IBD to make values-congruent, evidence-based decisions regarding pregnancy and may reduce voluntary childlessness.

The safety of drugs for inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy and breastfeeding: the DUMBO registry study protocol of GETECCU

BACKGROUND

Active disease during conception and pregnancy in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse neonatal outcomes. The use of IBD treatments during pregnancy should be weighed against their adverse effects on the neonate, but longer-term safety data and data on serious infection rates and malignancies postnatally are lacking, particularly for newer drugs, such as tofacitinib, vedolizumab and ustekinumab.

METHODS

This ongoing, prospective registry study being conducted at 70 centres in Spain is enrolling pregnant women who are ⩾18 years, are at any point in pregnancy up to the end of the second trimester and have a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or unclassified IBD. Patients will receive treatment decided independently by their IBD specialist. Each incident gestation will be followed up through pregnancy and the first 4 years postnatally. Three cohorts will be compared: biologicals exposed, immunomodulatory exposed and non-exposed. The primary endpoint is the risk of severe infection in newborns postnatally up to 4 years of age; other endpoints include serious adverse events (SAEs) such as pregnancy and delivery complications, neonatal SAEs, development [Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ3)], and malignancy incidence, up to 4 years of age. IBD specialists will collect maternal data (baseline/end of each trimester/1 month post-delivery), neonatal birth data, and the SAE and ASQ3 data in children exposed during pregnancy, reported every 3 months by the mother. Statistical analysis will include summary statistics for quantitative variables, comparisons of qualitative variables with significance set at p < 0.025 and a binary logistic regression model to determine the risk factors for severe infections.

RESULTS

Enrolment began in September 2019 and study completion is expected in September 2028.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective, controlled study will provide evidence on the long-term safety profile in children after intrauterine and lactation exposure to biological and immunomodulatory IBD treatments, including data on postnatal severe infections, development and malignancies.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03894228.