Experience and opinions relating to pregnancy in patients with chronic intestinal failure: An international survey

Ashley Bond*, Philip Allan, Thomas Edward Conley, Kirstine Farrer, Lucy Mackillop, Federico Bozzetti, Cristina Cuerda, Palle Jeppesen, Francisca Joly, Georg Lamprecht, Manpreet Mundi, Kinga Szczepanek, Andre Van Gossum, Geert Wanten, Loris Pironi, Simon Lal

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction Pregnancy in patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) is a relatively rare occurrence but is an important contemporary topic given both the increasing use of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) and the demographics of patients with CIF. Method An opinion-based survey was produced in a multidisciplinary manner, which was then distributed internationally, via the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism network, using a web-based survey tool for healthcare professionals with a specialist interest in the management of CIF. Results Seventy specialists from 11 countries completed the survey. Fifty-four per cent of the respondents reported some experience of managing pregnancy in patients with CIF. However, 60% stated that they did not feel that it was their role to discuss the topic of pregnancy with their patients, with fewer than 10% stating that they routinely did so. Respondents felt that an individualised approach was required when considering alterations to parenteral support prior to conception, during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. Most respondents also felt there was no increased risk of catheter-related blood stream infections, while catheter-related thrombosis was deemed to be the most significant HPN-related complication for pregnant women. Conclusion This study reports a variable experience, knowledge and confidence of healthcare professionals when considering pregnancy in patients with CIF. The risk of HPN-related complication was felt to be greater during pregnancy, with an individualised approach being the preferred route for most aspects of care. The findings support the need for an international registry and subsequent consensus guidelines for the management of pregnancy in CIF.

Original languageEnglish
JournalFrontline Gastroenterology
Volume14
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)377-383
Number of pages7
ISSN2041-4137
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Keywords

  • INTESTINAL FAILURE
  • PARENTERAL NUTRITION

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