[Pregnancy and inflammatory bowel disease: experience in 17 patients].

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a peak incidence between 15 and 25 years of age, thereby affecting women of reproductive age. Fertility rates with inactive IBD are similar to the general population, and drugs currently used, with the exception of methotrexate and thalidomide, have a good safety and efficacy profile during pregnancy. Starting a pregnancy with inactive IBD significantly reduces the potential maternal and fetal complications.

Aim: To assess the evolution of pregnancy and the underlying disease in women with IBD.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective and prospective study of female patients with IBD controlled in our hospital who became pregnant from January 1994 to February, 2011.

Results: We followed 17 patients with a total of 19 pregnancies. In two patients the onset of IBD occurred during pregnancy and from the remaining, 11 patients became pregnant during remission of IBD. Most of the patients continued the same treatment during pregnancy and the few flares that occurred were treated satisfactorily. Major complications occurred in three patients, all associated with IBD activity. Fifteen patients had full-term deliveries and the majority of the newborns had normal weight and Apgar score. None had malformations.

Conclusions: Pregnancies among patients with an inactive IBD, have a good evolution. A multidisciplinary approach and patient education are invaluable to achieve these good results.