Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: Safety

Is TNF Inhibitor Use Associated with Adverse Maternal-Fetal Outcomes?

Although TNF inhibitor use during pregnancy does not appear to lead to adverse outcomes in animal models, human data are limited and current recommendation mandate discontinuation during pregnancy, delivery, and breast feeding.  Two abstracts presented as podium presentations addressed the issue of fetal outcomes associated with TNF inhibitor use, with seemingly discordant conclusions.

• Abstract 667: A Safety Assessment of TNF Antagonists during Pregnancy: A Review of the FDA Database
• Abstract 730: Pregnancy Outcome after Exposure to Biologics: Results from the German Biologics Register RABBIT

Other Safety Abstracts

• Abstract 1343: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Interstitial Lung Disease, Mortality, and Anti-TNF Therapy: Results from the BSR Biologics Register (BSRBR)
• Abstract 1344: Are Cancers Occurring in RA Patients Treated with TNF Antagonists Particularly Aggressive?