Assisted reproduction awareness needed for IBD patients
Greater gastroenterologist awareness of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is needed for patients with Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, Australian researchers say
A systematic review by Sydney gastroenterologists Dr Robyn Laube, and Professor Rupert Leong, Rupert showed that ART is safe and effective in patients with ulcerative colitis and medically managed Crohn’s disease with pregnancy and live birth rates similar to that of the general population.
However, the data suggested that SART efficacy may reduced in women with CD-related surgery and ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) failure, they wrote in the American Journal of Gastroenterology
Their review included eleven studies and showed that compared with the general population, women with CD (with and without previous surgery) had no difference in pregnancy rates (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69) but had reduced live births (OR = 0.67) per cycle of ART. Live birth rates were 49%–71% lower after CD-related surgery. For women with UC, live birth rates were reduced after IPAA failure (hazard ratio = 0.36).
The findings showed that gastroenterologists should be aware of ART “to facilitate timely fertility therapy referral when indicated, particularly in Crohn’s disease,” they concluded.
HCV on track for elimination in gay men
A large decline in hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence among gay men using HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) suggests that Australia is on track to eliminate HCV among gay, bisexual and other men (GBM) who have sex with men before global 2030 targets.
Data from in 6744 GBM with HIV in the Australian Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance network shows that the rate of HCV declined by 78% in 2019 compared to 2015 (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.22).
There was no change in HCV incidence among 20 590 HIV-negative GBM, but there was an 80% decrease in 11 661 HIV-negative GBM prescribed PrEP, (IRR, 0.20).
The study investigators said the government funding of direct acting antivirals and PrEP since 2016 was having a significant impact on HCV and HIV rates in GBM in Australia.