Epidemiology, Big Data, and Biologics in Pregnancy
About IBD
03/24/26
•40m
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Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD198
What does a pregnant woman do when they need a biologic medication, but pregnancy isn't included in drug trials? Dr. Sonia Grandi and Dr. Christina Longo talk to Amber Tresca about the BIONIC study, a groundbreaking project using decades of real-world data to understand how biologics affect a pregnant woman and her baby. The BIONIC study is designed to empower patients to make confident, evidence-based decisions about their own health and their children's future.
Timestamps- 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Sonia Grandi and Dr. Christina Longo.
- 04:14 – What exactly is an Epidemiologist?
- 06:33 – Why childhood asthma research led to the BIONIC Study.
- 11:05 – Why children and pregnant women are historically excluded from trials.
- 13:00 – Defining "Remission" in children: Why it's more than just labs.
- 17:01 – The BIONIC Study explained: Safety and biologics in pregnancy.
- 22:04 – The Patient Advisory Committee: Why lived experience matters.
- 25:52 – The "Grind" of Research Funding: How projects actually get built.
- 32:21 – Fun & Hobbies: Puzzles, running, and the "BIONIC" spirit.
Find Sonia Grandi, MSc, PhD at:
- The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids): Sonia Grandi, MSc, PhD
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health: Sonia Grandi, MSc, PhD
- Lab: IMPOWER Lab at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
- LinkedIn: @sonia-grandi
Find Cristina Longo , PhD at:
- Université de Montréal: Cristina Longo , PhD
- CHU Sainte-Justine: Cristina Longo , PhD
- LinkedIn: @cristina-longo-67656040
Find Amber J Tresca at:
- AboutIBD.com: About IBD
- Verywell Health: Verywell Health
- Facebook: @aboutIBD
- Twitter: @aboutIBD
- Instagram: @about_IBD
- YouTube: @AboutIBD
- Threads: @about_ibd
Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:
- Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
- Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
- YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
- Web: Cooney Studio
- Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Previous Episode
The Insidious Reasons Why IBD Destroys Sleep
March 10
•17m
Everyone needs sleep, but so many of us struggle to get enough. People living with IBD know that a good night's sleep can feel like a distant dream, whether it's pain, urgent bathroom trips, or racing thoughts keeping you up. But why exactly does IBD disrupt our sleep even during remission? And what is your sleep telling you about the risks of a flare-up?
Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD197
Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and Host Background 01:32 IBD and Sleep: The Problem 03:00 Why Sleep Matters for IBD 04:14 Defining Sleep Disturbance in IBD 05:23 Inflammation's Role in Sleep Disruption 07:08 Wearables and Sleep Research in IBD 08:29 Mental Health, Pain, and Medication Effects 11:06 Why Prioritizing Sleep is Crucial 12:30 Practical Tips for Better Sleep 14:57 Communicating Sleep Issues and Seeking Support 16:12 Episode Wrap-Up and Resources 16:20 Credits and OutroMore Information on Sleep:
- Alien: How IBD Inspired an Iconic Movie:
- 10 Tips to Get More Sleep
- Talking to Your Doctor About Sleep
- I Am So Tired
- Have You Tried Yoga? – An IBD Community Poll
- A Meditation Journey – Week 1
- Struggling to Sleep? These 11 Foods Could Help You Rest Better
- 13 Foods to Eat Instead of Taking Melatonin for Better Sleep
- The Best Time to Eat Dinner for Better Digestion and Sleep
Sources:
- Su XY, Wang YN, Huang YH, Dai C. The sleep quality and its association with disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. doi:10.17235/reed.2025.11305/2025.
- Zhang JZ, Song XZ, Song XN, Shen YL, Tang H, Li H. Prevalence and risk factors of sleep disorders in inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2024;39(1):140. doi:10.1007/s00384-024-04712-w.
- Chaemsupaphan T, Pimolsri C, Subdee N, et al. Poor sleep quality is common and independently associated with disease activity and poor quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease: a long-term follow-up study. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2025;18:17562848241311142. doi:10.1177/17562848241311142.
- Kuzoian S, Jerson B, Brimacombe M, Schneeberg L, Hyams JS. Sleep tracking and sleep hygiene counseling improve fatigue in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025;81(1):62-68. doi:10.1002/jpn3.70066.
- Xu TY, Zhang Y, Zhao SL. Association of Poor Sleep Quality With Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Dig Dis. 2024;25(11-12):664-673. doi:10.1111/1751-2980.13328.
Find Amber J Tresca at:
- AboutIBD.com: About IBD
- Verywell Health: Verywell Health
- Facebook: @aboutIBD
- Twitter: @aboutIBD
- Pinterest: @aboutibd
- Instagram: @about_IBD
- YouTube: @AboutIBD
- https://www.threads.net/@about_ibd
Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:
- Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
- Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
- YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
- Web: Cooney Studio
- Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Next Episode
T.L. Wright, known as The IBD Athlete and author of The SCD Athlete Cookbook, tells Amber about her frustrating decades-long journey to a Crohn's disease diagnosis. She explains the health reasons behind her pivot from triathlons and Ironman races to competitive bodybuilding. You'll leave this episode with a better understanding of how to fuel for your sport or workout while managing an immune-mediated condition.
Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD199
The SCD Athlete Cookbook: Amazon and Bookshop.org
Chapters:- 00:00 - Introduction to the IBD Athlete
- 02:39 - A Lifetime of Unexplained Symptoms
- 04:18 - The "Go Hard" Endurance Sports Trap
- 08:09 - The Overlooked Connection Between IBD and Oral Health
- 11:04 - The 3-Year Promise
- 14:26 - Can IBD Patients Compete at an Elite Level?
- 21:21 - The Pivot to Natural Bodybuilding
- 26:54 - 5 Tips for Consistency on the SCD Diet
- 33:04 - The Dangers of AI Recipe Generation
- 35:29 - The Accidental Influencer
- 40:44 - Where to Find the IBD Athlete
- How upper GI Crohn's disease can be missed or misdiagnosed.
- Why the "tough it out" culture in endurance sports can be dangerous for athletes with chronic illnesses.
- How to transition athletic goals to better support a healing body.
- Practical tips for managing the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) as an active person.
- The importance of advocating for your health and understanding the connection between diet and IBD.
More resources:
- Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet
- Specific Carbohydrate Diet Association
- Special IBD diets via The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
Find T.L. Wright at:
- Web: The IBD Athlete
- Facebook: The IBD Athlete
- Threads: @theibdathlete
- Instagram: @theibdathlete
- Tik Tok: @TheIBDAthlete
Find Amber J Tresca at:
- AboutIBD.com: About IBD
- Verywell Health: Verywell Health
- Facebook: @aboutIBD
- Twitter: @aboutIBD
- Pinterest: @aboutibd
- Instagram: @about_IBD
- YouTube: @AboutIBD
- Threads: @about_ibd
Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:
- Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
- Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
- YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
- Web: Cooney Studio
- Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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