Risk of anti-TNF therapy on pregnancy, breastfeeding, live vaccines and related information in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Real-world data from a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND

Anti-TNF are usually maintained during pregnancy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but safety is still a concern for them.

AIMS: To provide data on management of anti-TNF agents during pregnancy, safety of live vaccines (BCG-MMR-rotavirus) and breastfeeding in newborns and dedicated information delivered to IBD women.

METHODS

We performed an observational study in 25 centers from 2016 to 2018. We administered questionnaires to women with IBD receiving anti-TNF during pregnancy with newborn follow-up ≥ one year.

RESULTS

Of 153 patients, 52 % maintained anti-TNF during the third trimester. Anti-TNF was shortly resumed in 79 % (58/73) after delivery. The rate of breastfeeding was 44 % (68/153) without any complication; 38 % of the mothers denied to breastfeed based on physician's advice. 26 % (34/129) of the newborns received live vaccines before 6 months-old (BCG:30 %; MMR:63 %; Rotavirus:8 %) and only 3 complications occurred (local BCGitis=1, fever=2). Information concerning anti-TNF during pregnancy/post-partum was delivered to 92 % of the patients, mainly by a gastroenterologist (97 %) who discussed with the obstetrician or the paediatrician in only 48 % and 25 %.

CONCLUSION

In IBD patients, maintaining anti-TNF during pregnancy and breastfeeding is safe. Accidental live vaccines before 6 months did not lead to significant adverse events. The communication about these questions remains to improve.