Leuk Res. Methotrexate [package insert] 2011. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. Peripartum issues in the inflammatory arthritis patient: A survey of the RAPPORT registry. Birth weights adjusted for gestational age and sex were significantly lower in the exposed group than in the non-exposed cohort (P=0.02). The drug needs to be eliminated with administration of cholestyramine (8 g tid for 11 d). The EULAR guidelines make the following recommendations for use of anti-TNF medications A dose of 8 g three times daily for a total of 11 days followed by checking the plasma level of LEF with a goal of <0.02 mg/L on two occasions separated by 2 weeks, with consideration for additional cholestyramine if it remains elevated, is recommended.87. 57(5):286-90. In one man who continued LEF throughout his partners pregnancy, there was a normal-term pregnancy.120. Moretti ME, Verjee Z, Ito S, Koren G. Breast-feeding during maternal use of azathioprine. [22], Although it is unknown whether rituximab is excreted in human milk, immunoglobulin G is present in human milk, and rituximab has been detected in the milk of monkeys. A meta-analysis of four studies that evaluated AZA/6-mercaptopurine use in 312 pregnant womenwith inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) found no increased risk for spontaneous abortion, prematurity or low birth weight. The largest series evaluated 9 births to women with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes andanakinra exposure. What are the guidelines on the use of methotrexate (MTX) by pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? What are the BSR-BHPR guidelines on the use of corticosteroids by pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? There was no difference in birth defects among women with exposure only in preconception and the two comparison groups. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. 2000 Jul. Corticosteroids are an initial first step in pregnancy, and when possible, intra-articular administration is indicated to limit systemic side effects. The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) have produced guidelines on pregnancy and RA and these guidelines, last updated in 2022 can be found here. Information services and resources . BSR and BHPR guideline on prescribing drugs in pregnancy and breastfeeding-Part I: standard and biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and corticosteroids. A low-fat, high-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet is recommended in pregnant patients with RA. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are generally considered category C medications and potentially share the same adverse effects as traditional NSAIDs. It has not been associated with any visual abnormalities or infections in infants over the first year of life.93 Further, no abnormalities were noted in flash electroretinography among children exposed in utero and during lactation.94 Two women had breast milk values of HCQ evaluated; it was detectable in both with ingestion estimated at 0.060.2 mg/kg/day.95, While sulfasalazine metabolites are present in breast milk, there was no increase in serum values of children for either sulfasalazine or its metabolites. When adjusted for other factors, there was no difference in birth weight or gestational age based on LEF exposure. Sulfasalazine has been associated with decreased sperm count, motility, and abnormal sperm morphology.117 If a male patient is having difficulty with fertility, and if disease activity will allow, sulfasalazine could be held to see if this results in successful conception attempt. There are variable data with regard to the risk of congenital anomalies with prednisone exposure in pregnancy, especially cleft lip/palate. [13, 14], The degree of HLA disparity between the mother and the fetus (the less genetically similar the mother and fetus, the more likely the RA will remit) For women living with a chronic disease like RA on pharmacotherapy, the generally pleasant experience of planning parenthood can be faced with a number of uncertainties, challenges, and important decisions to take in the context of family planning. 2013 Oct 4. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. Birth outcomes in women who have taken leflunomide during pregnancy. Disease severity and pregnancy outcomes in women with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Autoimmune Diseases in Pregnancy Project. Teratology. Herold M, Schnohr S, Bittrich H. Efficacy and safety of a combined rituximab chemotherapy during pregnancy. Fetal growth and preterm birth in children exposed to maternal or paternal rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide cohort study. This drug is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe RA. 2006 Oct. 26(7):689-91. Bidirectional cytokine interactions in the maternal-fetal relationship: is successful pregnancy a TH2 phenomenon?. The neutropenia continued after breastfeeding was stopped for 15 days and normalized after 3.5 months. 2005 Jun. Why does pregnancy affect the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? These agents have been labeled as class B medications; animal studies have shown no harm to the fetus, Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs during third trimester and the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus: a meta-analysis. 127(3):264-7. Zoli A, Lizzio MM, Ferlisi EM, Massafra V, Mirone L, Barini A, et al. Gur C, Diav-Citrin O, Shechtman S, Arnon J, Ornoy A. Pregnancy outcome after first trimester exposure to corticosteroids: a prospective controlled study. When compared to pregnant women with IBD with no other medications as well as women with IBD treated with other medications, there was no increased risk of prematurity or low birth weight. Cumulative incidence of spontaneous abortions was higher at 42.5% among those exposed postconception when compared to disease-matched (HR 2.1, 1.33.2) and nondiseased comparison groups (HR 2.5, 1.44.3). Twenty-five percent of women with RA. Male partners should also discontinue MTX at least 3 months prior to attempting to conceive. [21, 22], HCQ, an antimalarial agent, is considered a category C medication. Browse patient safety alerts. Long-term follow-up of babies exposed to azathioprine in utero and via breastfeeding. Crocker IP, Baker PN, Fletcher J. Neutrophil function in pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis. NSAIDs can be used with caution, provided newborns do not have jaundice, because NSAIDs can displace bilirubin and predispose patients to kernicterus. Ibuprofen concentrations in human mature milkfirst data about pharmacokinetics study in breast milk with AOR-10127 Antalait study. Lichtenstein GR, Feagan BG, Cohen RD, et al. 2008. Angelberger S, Reinisch W, Messerschmidt A, et al. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. [6]. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal Is rituximab (Rituxan) safe for pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Introduction In many species, reproduction is accomplished within hours and in a physically protected fashion (for example, egg production by hens), or it happens without physical contact between. 2009. 2015 Dec. 45 (3):351-6. Available from: Rubbert-Roth A, Goupille P, Moosavi S, Hou A. [Full Text]. 14(4):R183. Martinez Lopez JA, Loza E, Carmona L. Systematic review on the safety of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis regarding the reproductive system (fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding). 2015 Oct. 80 (4):727-39. Thus, preconception treatment strategies should aim at maximum suppression of disease activity, while taking into account possible negative effects of NSAID use and higher prednisone doses. [29] If unacceptably high levels persist, additional cholestyramine may be given. [Full Text]. Adalimumab [package insert] 2002. There were no congenital abnormalities and no fetal deaths.75. [15]. Christine Isaacs, MD Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division Head, General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Director of Midwifery Services, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine No fetal toxicity is associated with HCQ at the dosage used for RA and connective-tissue disease (6.5 mg/kg body weight). Stopping bDMARDs at the beginning of pregnancy is associated with disease flares and preterm delivery in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Although the elimination is slow and there is a potential risk for accumulation in the infant, most experts believe that the drug may be continued during breastfeeding. 2014 May. This study also demonstrated relatively low rates of congenital abnormalities with none thought to represent MTX embryopathy. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. de Man YA, Dolhain RJ, van de Geijn FE, Willemsen SP, Hazes JM. Decker M, Rothermundt C, Hollnder G, Tichelli A, Rochlitz C. Rituximab plus CHOP for treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma during second trimester of pregnancy. The site is secure. RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. These revisions will facilitate prescriber counseling for these populations. Is HCQ safe for pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? You are being redirected to In an abstract describing 20 newborns with blood counts performed after 23 weeks of breastfeeding, one patient had asymptomatic neutropenia at 2 weeks, but the AZA metabolites could not be detected. [22]. Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. De Santis M, Straface G, Cavaliere A, Carducci B, Caruso A. Paternal and maternal exposure to leflunomide: pregnancy and neonatal outcome. Suzuki T, Ito S, Handa S, Kose K, Okamoto Y, Minami M, et al. The physician providing obstetric care needs to work closely with the patient's rheumatologist, especially if the patient is taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or steroids. [21] BSR-BHPR guidelines recommend stopping rituximab 6 months before conception. Mothers and newborns exposed to rituximab during the second and third trimester should be monitored for the risk of infections, since neutropenia and B-cell depletion have been described in newborns. Despite the small number of patients studied, beneficial effects of HCQ were noted as measured by lupus disease activity measures developed for pregnancy (SLE disease activity index) and decrease in prednisone dose with no detriment to patients health. Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Amoura Z, Duhaut P, Huong DL, Sebbough D, Wechsler B, et al. NSAIDs can also be another option, but as described in the following section, they need to be used with caution particularly in the third trimester. Smeele HTW, Rder E, Mulders AGMGJ, Steegers EAP, Dolhain RJEM. stensen M, Khamashta M, Lockshin M, et al. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. 106(6):1008-11. Evidence of transplacental passage of hydroxychloroquine in humans. Open Access Rheumatol. [17] EULAR guidelines make the following recommendations for use of corticosteroids The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Bokstrm H, Holst RM, Hafstrm O, et al. Crouch SP, Crocker IP, Fletcher J. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a lifelong, systemic autoimmune disease that affects women three times more frequently than men, often in their most productive and childbearing years.1 Annual incidence of 8.7 per 100,000 between the ages of 18 and 34 years further increases to 36.2 per 100,000 between the ages of 35 and 44 years.2 Understanding and addressing reproductive health-related problems are critical for health professionals engaged in their care. Psoriasis, methotrexate, and oligospermia. Semin Arthritis Rheum. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. 3(3):156-64. Previous reports of fetal toxicity with this agent were based on the effects of chloroquine, which has 2.5 times the amount of tissue deposition as HCQ. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. Therefore its use is expected to be compatible with pregnancy, Wegmann TG, Lin H, Guilbert L, Mosmann TR. One child was diagnosed with VACTERL association with 59% of children having at least one anomaly associated with VACTERL association.59 However, these data are in contrast to more recent data. [Full Text]. Carter JD, Ladhani A, Ricca LR, Valeriano J, Vasey FB. Understanding joints Normal joint The place where two bones meet is called a joint. 2008 Sep 15. Hyperprolactinemia has been associated with worsening of RA. Of eleven pregnancies, seven had normal live births, two were still ongoing at the time of the report, and two had miscarried.78, Of ten men whose partners became pregnant while exposed to abatacept,75 nine pregnancies resulted in live births, and one ended as an elective abortion. Overall, the outcomes with paternal TNF exposure have been positive. Case reports have also shown that rituximab therapy results in detectable levels of the drug in cord blood and results in B-cell depletion in the mother and the neonate. [7], Elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptors (sTNFRs), as well as down-regulation of Th1 cytokines during pregnancy Its safety profile for both the mother and the baby has been widely researched, with no reported fetal neurosensory toxicity or. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. 75 (5):795-810. Bondt A, Selman MH, Deelder AM, Hazes JM, Willemsen SP, Wuhrer M, et al. Pregnancy outcomes in women taking MTX (30 mg/week) either after conception or within 12 weeks before conception were evaluated in a prospective observational multicenter cohort study and compared with disease-matched women and women without autoimmune diseases. It is [] The dosing of rituximab in case reports was 375 mg/m2 for 1-6 cycles. Available from: Chang Z, Spong CY, Jesus AA, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with significant physical disability, affects women three times more frequently than men, often in their childbearing years. A new low-field extremity magnetic resonance imaging and proposed compact MRI score: evaluation of anti-tumor necrosis factor biologics on rheumatoid arthritis. There were two spontaneous abortions, but the remaining were live infants. Azathioprine (AZA), although a category D medication, can be used if the benefits outweigh the risks. In an evaluation of women with IBD who received TNF inhibitors during pregnancy, maternal blood levels were compared to infant blood levels and cord levels. Microbial infection is considered to be the most important inducement of RA. 1996 Jul. In one study, women with RA were more likely to have been treated for infertility than those without RA (9.8% vs 7.6%) but were also older than women without RA.11 Another study demonstrated that assisted reproductive technology was more likely used for those with RA (5.6% vs 2.4%).13 Wallenius et al noted women with inflammatory arthritis utilizing assisted reproduction more often (3.9% vs 1.6% for reference subjects), but this was not statistically significant when adjusted for maternal age.14, Discussing with patients the impact of pregnancy on disease activity is helpful to form a basis for treatment recommendations. In a meta-analysis evaluating 642 women with IBD with exposures to sulfasalazine, mesalazine, and olsalazine, there were no findings of increased risk of congenital abnormalities, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, or low birth weight.48 The largest individual study included in this meta-analysis utilized a Danish cohort of children born to mothers with Crohns disease with 179 births representing exposure to sulfasalazine. Which specialist consultations are beneficial to pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work. ACTH, cortisol and prolactin in active rheumatoid arthritis. J Immunol. Nielsen GL, Sorensen HT, Larsen H, Pedersen L. Risk of adverse birth outcome and miscarriage in pregnant users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: population based observational study and case-control study. Over-the-counter (OTC) herbal remedies should probably be avoided. 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