Psoriasis and pregnancy in the biologic era, a feared scenario. What do we do now?

Dermatol Ther. 2019 Nov;32(6):e13137. doi: 10.1111/dth.13137. Epub 2019 Nov 5.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory disease; its clinical severity can vary widely. Treatment of severe cases during pregnancy is of special interest. To date there is scarce information available and most data comes from other medical specialties that use similar treatments. Immunosuppressors are strongly discouraged during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Amongst biologic agents, anti-TNFα having been the longest on the market has allowed for the most experience. It is known that transplacental transport of these drugs does not occur until gestational week 22, once organogenesis is completed. Within this group certolizumab pegol, seems to be the safest choice, as its molecular structure does not cross the placental barrier. Beyond pregnancy, it is important to take into account these drugs' half-life and passage to breast milk, as well as its impact on neonatal immunization.

Keywords: biologic treatment; breastfeeding; pregnancy; severe psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products / administration & dosage*
  • Biological Products / adverse effects
  • Biological Products / pharmacokinetics
  • Breast Feeding
  • Certolizumab Pegol / administration & dosage
  • Certolizumab Pegol / adverse effects
  • Certolizumab Pegol / pharmacokinetics
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Dermatologic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Complications / pathology
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
  • Certolizumab Pegol