Study on the environmental background to aggravating factors for renal function related to pregnancy and delivery in...

Various effects on renal function and factors which tend to cause aggravation in pregnancy and delivery in patients with renal diseases have been described previously. In the present study, the authors undertook personal and telephone inquiries to patients with renal insufficiency due to aggravated renal dysfunction occurring during the course of pregnancy and delivery, and to those showing a favorable course despite renal dysfunction before pregnancy. Sixty-four patients with IgA nephritis were investigated, covering 101 cases of pregnancy in them. The management of the pregnant women and their social and home (family/domestic) environments were taken into consideration, since these are important for giving guidance in their daily life to overcome various factors which influence the course of spontaneous pregnancy and delivery. The following findings were obtained. (1) In patients with hypertension, toxemia of pregnancy, abnormal delivery and abortion were frequently complicated. (2) Patients under greater mental and physical stresses during the course of pregnancy and after delivery showed a poorer prognosis for both mother and fetus. (3) Generally speaking, guidance should be given not to be overconfident or overdefensive in pregnancy. (4) Working women revealed a prognosis which was poorer than that of housewives.