Maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant patients with colorectal cancer: a population-based study

This study aimed to investigate the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant patients with CRC using a large population-based database.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2009 to 2019. Pregnant patients with and without CRC were compared for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, maternal and perinatal outcomes, and hospital burden.

The study included 306 pregnancies with CRC and 40,887,353 pregnancies without CRC. Pregnant patients with CRC were older and more likely to be White. A significant association was observed between CRC and a history of inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of gastrointestinal cancer. Pregnant patients with CRC had higher odds of maternal death (AOR 260.99, 95% CI 33.36–2041.64), cardiac arrhythmia (AOR 13.73, 95% CI 4.21–44.76), acute kidney injury (AOR 32.6, 95% CI 5.29–200.77), severe sepsis (AOR 163.98, 95% CI 22.05–1219.65), and respiratory failure (AOR 31.67, 95% CI 4.11–243.98). Furthermore, the CRC group experienced higher odds of cesarean section (AOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.05–3.03), preterm birth (AOR 4.16, 95% CI 2.05–8.47), and intrauterine death (AOR 13.18, 95% CI 3.33–52.16). Distinct differences in maternal and perinatal outcomes were observed based on the location of CRC. Pregnant patients with CRC faced higher hospital charges and had longer hospital stays during delivery hospitalization compared to those without CRC.

Pregnant patients with CRC are at increased risk for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early detection, timely intervention, and comprehensive management during pregnancy.