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Pregnancy outcome in connective tissue diseases
1Pediatrics Department, The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary Westfield College, University of London, United Kingdom. jkari@doctors.org.uk
Saudi Medical Journal
|August 2, 2001
Summary
Pregnancies in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other connective tissue diseases have high live birth rates in specialized clinics. However, prematurity and small for gestational age infants remain significant concerns.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Rheumatology
- Perinatology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other connective diseases pose risks during pregnancy.
- High-risk pregnancy clinics offer specialized care for these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pregnancy outcomes for women with SLE and connective tissue diseases.
- To assess the effectiveness of specialized high-risk clinic management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 30 patients over 30 months.
- Standardized protocol for patient evaluation.
- Diagnoses included SLE and mixed connective tissue disease.
Main Results:
- 93% live birth rate across all patients.
- 21% preterm births and 17% small for gestational age infants.
- For SLE patients: 94% live births, 18% preterm, 25% small for gestational age, one neonatal lupus.
- Positive anti-phospholipid antibodies found in 27% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancies with SLE can have favorable outcomes in multidisciplinary high-risk clinics.
- No maternal or neonatal deaths observed in this cohort.
- High rates of prematurity and small for gestational age infants persist as challenges.