PubMed Health⌕ Search

PubMed · 8030350

[Ulcerative colitis and pregnancy].

Abstract

On the basis of literature and on the grounds of their own experience the authors presented their opinions on the coexistence of colitis ulcerosa (c.u.) and pregnancy. It was stressed that colitis ulcerosa does not decrease fertility in women whereas the taking of salazosulfapyridine diminishes fertility in men. Pregnancy should be planned during the remission period. Successive pregnancies in the same patient with coexistent c.u. should be taken individually. Classic pharmacotherapy end endoscopic diagnostics are not contraindicated in pregnancy. Past operation (e.g. partial or total colectomy) do not decrease chances of giving birth to a child. There is no evidence that artificial abortion exerts a favourable influence on the course of colitis ulcerosa. Cesarean section should be performed of obstetrical indications only. In addition, the authors emphasize the necessity of a strict monitoring of c.u. in the first trimester of pregnancy and during puerperium, as well as of a rigorous gynecological supervision in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

J Lapińska, L Paradowski, J Woldan, L Sozański, M Ujec, W Lubczyńska-Kowalska. [Ulcerative colitis and pregnancy].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8030350/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

Hypothesis about mechanisms through which nicotine might exert its effect on the interdependence of inflammation and gut barrier function in ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by impairment of the epithelial barrier and the formation of ulcer-type lesions, which result in local leaks and generalized alterations of mucosal tight junctions. Ultimately, this results in increased basal permeability. Although disruption of the epithelial barrier in the gut is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal infections, it remains unclear whether barrier breakdown is an initiating event of UC or rather a consequence of an underlying inflammation, evidenced by increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. UC is less common in smokers, suggesting that the nicotine in cigarettes may ameliorate disease severity. The mechanism behind this therapeutic effect is still not fully understood, and indeed it remains unclear if nicotine is the true protective agent in cigarettes. Nicotine is metabolized in the body into a variety of metabolites and can also be degraded to form various breakdown products. It is possible these metabolites or degradation products may be the true protective or curative agents. A greater understanding of the pharmacodynamics and kinetics of nicotine in relation to the immune system and enhanced knowledge of gut permeability defects in UC are required to establish the exact protective nature of nicotine and its metabolites in UC. This review suggests possible hypotheses for the protective mechanism of nicotine in UC, highlighting the relationship between gut permeability and inflammation, and indicates where in the pathogenesis of the disease nicotine may mediate its effect.

Colitis, Ulcerative↗