Biologic Therapies and Pregnancy: The Story So Far
Biologic Therapies and Pregnancy: The Story So Far
TNF is known to play a crucial role in the body's defence against bacterial and viral infections. The use of anti-TNF therapies is associated with an increased risk of serious and opportunistic infection. This risk is felt to be higher earlier on in the course of treatment and may decrease as disease activity comes under control. Pregnancy is a state of relative immunosuppression and therefore there is a theoretical risk that the use of anti-TNF therapies during pregnancy could increase this risk of infection further. Of particular interest in pregnancy is the increased risk of intracellular infections, such as Listeria monocytogenes, associated with the use of anti-TNF therapies. Women are provided with guidance on safe food consumption during pregnancy to avoid this infection, as it is known to be associated with pregnancy loss and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and this information should be specifically reiterated in women who have been exposed to anti-TNF drugs just prior to or during pregnancy.
Potential Risks of Biologic Therapies to the Pregnant Patient
TNF is known to play a crucial role in the body's defence against bacterial and viral infections. The use of anti-TNF therapies is associated with an increased risk of serious and opportunistic infection. This risk is felt to be higher earlier on in the course of treatment and may decrease as disease activity comes under control. Pregnancy is a state of relative immunosuppression and therefore there is a theoretical risk that the use of anti-TNF therapies during pregnancy could increase this risk of infection further. Of particular interest in pregnancy is the increased risk of intracellular infections, such as Listeria monocytogenes, associated with the use of anti-TNF therapies. Women are provided with guidance on safe food consumption during pregnancy to avoid this infection, as it is known to be associated with pregnancy loss and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and this information should be specifically reiterated in women who have been exposed to anti-TNF drugs just prior to or during pregnancy.
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