Drug therapy for ulcerative colitis during pregnancy.

Women with ulcerative colitis (UC) are usually young and thus likely to undergo pregnancy. They should be advised to conceive when the disease is quiescent. Steroids and salicylates may be used normally during pregnancy, possibly without exceeding a dose of 2g/day for mesalazine. Azathioprine can be maintained if its indication is clear cut. Cyclosporin seems to be without additional risk in the pregnant woman, its use being limited to acute steroid-refractory disease, as an alternative to surgery.