The Pregnancy Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Neonatal Outcome (PIANO) Research Study

The PIANO (Pregnancy Inflammatory bowel disease And Neonatal Outcomes) research study looks at the safety of IBD medications in pregnancy and short- and long-term outcomes of children. 

Through data collected from PIANO, there is now a much better understanding of the safety of thiopurines (6MP, Azathioprine) and anti-TNF biologics (Infliximab, Adalimumab, Certolizumab, Golimumab) during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Less is known about the newer biologics (Ustekinumab, Risankizumab, Vedolizumab) and small molecules (Tofacitinib, Upadacitinib, Ozanimod) so PIANO is seeking to enroll more patients on these medications to better assess short- and long-term safety in pregnancy.

As many women receive these medications during their prime reproductive years, the information from PIANO will be valuable in guiding therapy of women with Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis who wish to have children while receiving this therapy for their IBD.

Please follow the link to a video resource from the global consensus for management of IBD in pregnancy which NZSG Member, Professor Richard Gearry, contributed to. It can also be found on the PIANO homepage

(https://pianostudy.org/index.php).