Cure8 research brief
Some people with IBD and their clinicians consider stopping biologics early in pregnancy to reduce fetal drug exposure. This study suggests stopping before active placental transfer (≈GW20) in women in remission led to a relapse rate of about 17.5% and low cord blood drug levels in the small sample measured.
Pregnant patients with IBD (or planning pregnancy), patients on biologics, gastroenterologists managing IBD in pregnancy, and researchers studying drug transfer and pregnancy outcomes.
This study looked back at pregnancies followed at a single Belgian centre and compared pregnancies that discontinued biologics before gestational week (GW) 20 with those that continued. Among 80 pregnancies that stopped biologics before GW20, 14 (17.5%) experienced disease flare (defined as need for steroids, restarting biologics, or surgery).
Preterm birth (20%), caesarean section (39%), and low birth weight (12.5%) were reported in the stop-before-GW20 group; the authors did not find a statistically significant increase in flare risk associated with stopping before GW20.
Drug exposure: In a small paired sample set (n=5) with prospective cord and maternal measurements, only one cord sample (ustekinumab) showed low residual levels, suggesting limited foetal exposure when treatment is stopped before active placental transfer. Limitations to
Because this is retrospective and single-centre with small numbers for cord-level measurements, findings should be interpreted cautiously. The study reports associations, not definitive guidance; larger prospective trials are needed.
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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