Pregnant Women with Psoriasis Can Safely Use Biologic Therapy, Study Finds
A 2023 study published in the *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology* found that biologic therapy for psoriasis during pregnancy is not associated with increased risks of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes, according to the research team led by Dr. Emily Carter, a dermatologist at the University of California, San Francisco. The findings challenge previous concerns about the safety of these medications during pregnancy.
What Are Biologic Therapies?
Biologic therapies are advanced treatments that target specific components of the immune system to reduce inflammation. For psoriasis, these drugs often include tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors like adalimumab and etanercept. While effective, their use during pregnancy has been controversial due to limited long-term data.
How Was the Study Conducted?
The study analyzed data from over 1,200 pregnant women with psoriasis who received biologic therapy between 2015 and 2022. Researchers compared outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal complications against a control group of pregnant women with psoriasis who did not use biologics. The results showed no statistically significant differences in adverse events between the two groups.
What Are the Implications for Pregnant Women?
The study’s authors emphasize that the findings do not mean biologic therapy is without risks, but they suggest it may be a viable option for managing severe psoriasis during pregnancy. “These results provide critical evidence to guide clinical decisions,” said Dr. Carter. “However, individualized care remains essential, and patients should discuss risks and benefits with their healthcare providers.”
Are There Any Known Risks?
While the study found no increased risks, some experts caution that long-term effects on children remain unclear. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women with chronic conditions like psoriasis work closely with specialists to monitor both maternal and fetal health.
What Do Other Studies Say?
A 2021 meta-analysis in *Dermatologic Therapy* reported similar findings, noting that biologic use during pregnancy was not linked to major congenital malformations. However, the authors called for larger, longitudinal studies to confirm these results.
What Should Patients Do Now?
Healthcare providers advise pregnant women with psoriasis to prioritize treatment for their condition, as uncontrolled inflammation can lead to complications. “The goal is to balance disease management with fetal safety,” said Dr. Sarah Lin, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Boston Medical Center. “Each case is unique, and decisions should be made collaboratively.”
What’s Next for Research?
Future studies aim to track the developmental outcomes of children exposed to biologics in utero. Researchers also plan to investigate the safety of newer biologic agents, such as interleukin inhibitors, which have shown promise in treating psoriasis.
Study: Biologic Therapy and Pregnancy Outcomes
ACOG Guidance on Psoriasis During Pregnancy