P1141 Global perspectives on managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) during pregnancy and lactation: current state and the necessity for enhancements
Authors: Casanova M J , Gisbert J P , Amiot A , Gordon H , Fiorino G , Flanagan E , Kotze P , Sokic-Milutinovic A , Sonnenberg E , Núñez P , Blesl A , Catalán-Serra I , Bossuyt P , Filip R , Bar-Gil Shitrit A , Kagramanova A , Krznaric Z , Molander P , Mantzaris G J , Juillerat P , Molnar T , Gecse K B , Torres J , Myrelid P , Mahadevan U , Márquez J R , Iade-Vergara B M , Rausch A , Duricova D , Julsgaard M , Chaparro M 
Published: January 2024

Background

Reproduction is an essential part of life. Our aim was to obtain a global perspective on IBD management by gastroenterologists (GIs) during preconception, pregnancy, lactation and neonatal period.

Methods

An anonymous survey (75 questions) was developed to investigate different aspects of clinical practice concerning the management of pregnancy and breastfeeding in patients with IBD. A national representative from each European country, USA, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand was selected to distribute the survey among their GI colleagues who treat patients with IBD (irrespectively of their experience).

Results

A total of 856 GIs from 36 countries participated in the survey. Among the participants, 63% had over a decade of experience as GIs, and 61% identified themselves as IBD specialist (IBDologists). The most relevant survey results and sub-analyses based on expertise are presented in tables 1 and 2. In the management of pregnant patients in remission, treatment discontinuation occurred either consistently or occasionally as follows: 20% thiopurines, 37% vedolizumab, 31% ustekinumab, and 96% small molecules. Notably, 13% did not always discontinue small molecules in patients contemplating pregnancy. Safety was the main reason for discontinuing IBD therapy during pregnancy. Contrary to the recommendations in clinical practice guidelines, many GIs avoid starting oral or rectal budesonide, anti-TNF, vedolizumab or ustekinumab during a disease flare. Further, a third of GIs would start thiopurines for a flare during pregnancy. Moreover, 13% will never perform a colonoscopy in a pregnant patient to guide decision making. Half of GIs implemented a dedicated outpatient follow-up program for pregnant patients in remission, with 87% enrolling all pregnant patients in this program. Concerning breastfeeding, 14% believed that all drugs can be used while breastfeeding. Regarding offspring’s vaccination, about 20% recommend against the administration of non-live vaccines and only 50% recommended avoiding live vaccines during the first 12 months for children exposed to anti-TNF in-utero. Among those GIs who recommended delaying vaccines in such cases, only 41% recommended testing the infant for detectable anti-TNF levels if live vaccines were required. Among the surveyed GIs, only a minority had a referral obstetrician, and only 35% referred patients with active or complicated IBD, while 45% had a referral paediatrician with expertise in IBD.

Conclusion

The management of IBD during pregnancy, lactation, and neonatal period is notably suboptimal, even among GIs specifically dedicated to IBD. It is crucial to address this current need and implement urgent educational measures in this area.