[Anti-TNFα therapy and its implication in gynecology and obstetrics]

J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 2011 Oct;40(6):492-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2011.05.009. Epub 2011 Jul 5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Anti-TNFα treatments have modified the medical care, the course and the quality of life of the patients with autoimmune rheumatic, cutaneous or bowel inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, these treatments may have potential severe side effects during pregnancy (congenital malformations, fetal infections). Actually, many pregnancies have been reported during anti-TNFα exposures, with good maternal and neonatal outcomes. The introduction or the discontinuation of these treatments will always have to be discussed with the specialist of the chronic disease and, ideally, during a preconceptional counselling. In gynecology, anti-TNFα drugs may offer a new safe and effective approach to treating patients with recurrent miscarriages or unexplained or failed in vitro fertilization cycles. On the other hand, these treatments significantly increase the risk for serious infections or viral reactivations and may promote gynaecological malignancies. An adapted gynaecological survey is necessary.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Gynecology / methods*
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy
  • Infliximab
  • Obstetrics / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / drug therapy
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab