A Narrative Review on Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor α Therapies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease During Pregnancy: Immunoglobulin Placental Translocation and its Impact

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease activity is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy is often required to treat flares and to maintain disease remission. However, there are concerns regarding treatment with these agents during pregnancy, as they actively cross the placental barrier.Material and Methods: Studies regarding anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy during pregnancy were identified from PubMed from 1958 to January 2018. The reference lists of the selected studies were reviewed to identify complementary publications.Results and Discussion: Anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents are efficient treatments for moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease and may ensure remission during pregnancy. Although these drugs cross the placenta, they are considered safe for both the mother and the fetus. Furthermore, up-to-date guidelines support therapy continuation during pregnancy aiming for disease control. The same guidelines also consider stopping treatment during the third trimester to limit maternal-fetal drug transfer. However, data shows that this strategy does not completely prevent fetus exposure. In addition, stopping treatment incurs in risk of disease flare and threatens subsequent therapy response. Fetus drug exposure has not showed an association with adverse childhood development. However, as infant drug levels could be detected up to seven months after birth, postponement of live virus vaccination is recommended.Conclusion: There should be no disagreement among the medical community as to the need to maintain therapy aiming for disease remission during gestation in inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents are safe for both the mother and the fetus.

Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Anti‐Tumor Necrosis Factor Agents for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients to Predict the Withdrawal Time in Pregnancy and Vaccine Time in Infants

“…14 Pharmacokinetics of anti-TNF agents may change during pregnancy; however, there is currently no evidence-based dosing recommendation for these biologicals in pregnant women. 15,16 In addition, the timing of the last dosing for pregnancy is controversial. [17][18][19] Toronto Consensus Statements recommend the use of anti-TNF agents at the last time from 22 to 24 weeks of gestation to reduce exposure to the fetus in the third trimester.…”

“…Pharmacokinetics of anti‐TNF agents may change during pregnancy; however, there is currently no evidence‐based dosing recommendation for these biologicals in pregnant women 15,16 . In addition, the timing of the last dosing for pregnancy is controversial 17–19 .…”