[Perinatal consequences of maternal connective tissue diseases: a prospective study of 73 cases]

To describe a group of newborns born from mothers with connective tissue diseases, to determine their perinatal characteristics and the neonatal morbidity, and to assess the possible role of drugs received by mothers on the obstetrical and neonatal morbidity.

During a 34-month period, newborns born from mothers with connective tissue diseases and followed in a single center were prospectively included in the study. In all cases, maternal treatments (i.e. hydroxychloroquine and/or prednisone) were continued during pregnancy.

Among the 73 included infants, 18 (25%) were born before 37 weeks of gestation and 3 (4%) were small for gestational age. A neonatal lupus syndrome with facial rash and thrombopenia was observed in 1 case. No neonatal congenital heart block was observed and maternal treatment did not significantly influence the mean PR or QT intervals. Four infants had minor congenital abnormalities and 3 had feto-maternal infection.

These data show that perinatal morbidity is lower than that previously published. We postulate that a strict follow-up during pregnancy may have played a significant positive role in these results.