| Theme | Treatment of Crohn's Disease | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Treatment of Crohn's Disease Associated with Pregnancy | |
| Publish Date | 1998/01 | |
| Author | Akihiro Munakata | First Department of Internal Medicine, Hirosaki University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | As Crohn's disease occurs in young people, particularly in the reproductive age group, the influence of Crohn's disease and its treatment on pregnancy should be discussed. From the available data, the effects of Crohn's disease and its therapy on pregnancy can be summarized as follows : 1. Except in severe cases, Crohn's disease does not affect the fetus. 2. Total parenteral nutrition can be used safely to maintain maternal/fetal nutrition and manage disease activity. 3. In the management of Crohn's disease associated with pregnancy, sulfasalazine and/or steroids may be used just as in nonpregnant patients. 4. Safety of maternal immunosuppressant therapy for the fetus and nursing infant is unknown. On the other hand, pregnancy infrequently causes inactive Crohn's disease to flare, and Crohn's disease may be exacerbated during the postpartum period. In conclusion, having Crohn's disease is not a contraindication to pregnancy, and the risk for fetal or maternal complications during pregnancy is more likely to be related to the disease activity than drug therapy. Therefore, patient education and family planning are quite important as well as disease control at the time of conception. |
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