The association between ectopic pregnancy and inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease: A systematic review

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2021 May;47(5):1601-1609. doi: 10.1111/jog.14705. Epub 2021 Mar 17.

Abstract

Aim: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease (CeD) more commonly affect women of reproductive age. The aim of our study is to evaluate the association between ectopic pregnancy (EP) in women with IBD, IBS, and CeD.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL from the database inception date through December 31, 2020. Peer-reviewed publications and abstracts written in English, regarding the association between EP and IBD, IBS, and CeD with controls were included. Quality assessment was conducted based on GRADE criteria. Analyses included odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity between studies was presented with I2 .

Results: We included five population-based cohort studies. The odds of EP significantly increased in Crohn's disease (CD), but not ulcerative colitis (UC) as compared to IBD-free controls. The odds of EP significantly increased in IBS as compared to women without IBS. No significant difference was observed for odds of EP in women with and without CeD.

Conclusions: Possible evidence of associations between EP and CD as well as IBS were observed; however, not with UC and CeD. Pregnant women with chronic inflammatory bowel pathologies may warrant cautious monitoring.

Keywords: gastrointestinal and hepatic; gastrointestinal disorders; pregnancy loss (abortion, ectopic pregnancy).

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Celiac Disease* / complications
  • Celiac Disease* / epidemiology
  • Colitis, Ulcerative*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* / complications
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic*