Anti-TNF continuation after 24 weeks of pregnancy beneficial to persons with IBD, does not affect neonatal outcomes

A 10-year emulation trial of pregnant persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has found that continuation of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment after 24 weeks of pregnancy appears beneficial regarding IBD activity and prematurity, while not affecting neonatal outcomes and serious infections in the offspring. The findings are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

More than six million people in both North America and Europe live with the inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Many affected persons include women of childbearing age, who are at higher risk of increased rates of prematurity, low birthweight, and cesarean section during pregnancy and birth. Anti-TNF is commonly prescribed during pregnancy, but European guidelines advise to consider stopping anti-TNF treatment around 24 weeks of pregnancy in patients with sustained IBD remission.

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