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

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 I-2. 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.

Automated summary

The odds of ectopic pregnancy (EP) significantly increased in women with Crohn's disease (CD) compared to IBD-free controls, but not in those with ulcerative colitis (UC). Women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) had significantly higher odds of EP, while no significant difference was observed for women with and without celiac disease (CeD).