Anti-TNF therapy and pregnancy outcomes in women with inflammatory arthritis

E Vinet, C Pineau, Caroline Gordon, AE Clarke, S Bernatsky

Research output: Contribution to journalReview article

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Women suffering from inflammatory arthritis may experience a change in disease activity during and after pregnancy. Although the majority will improve, some women may need to continue therapy throughout pregnancy and/or in the lactation period. Since certain disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have proven to be human teratogens, treatment is limited in these women. Anti-TNF agents fall within the US FDA category B concerning fetal risk, indicating that no adequate and well-controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant or lactating women. However, in the last decade, numerous case series and case reports of pregnancies exposed to anti-TNF therapy have accumulated in the literature. Since these agents may constitute an important therapeutic alternative in pregnant women facing persistent or increased disease activity, we propose a review of the available information on the safety of anti-TNF agents in pregnancy and lactation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)27-34
Number of pages8
JournalExpert Review of Clinical Immunology
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2009

Keywords

  • lactation
  • etanercept
  • pregnancy
  • adalimumab
  • anti-TNF therapy
  • teratogenicity
  • infliximab
  • inflammatory arthritis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Anti-TNF therapy and pregnancy outcomes in women with inflammatory arthritis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this