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Ankylosing spondylitis and pregnancy.
1Oslo Sanitetsforening Rheumatism Hospital, Norway.
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Pregnancy does not improve ankylosing spondylitis (AS) symptoms, with most women experiencing unchanged or worsened disease activity. However, AS patients generally have normal fertility and healthy pregnancies, though offspring have a slightly increased risk of developing AS.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine.
- The impact of pregnancy on autoimmune and inflammatory conditions varies, with some improving while others do not.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pregnancy on disease activity in women with ankylosing spondylitis.
- To assess fertility, pregnancy course, and infant outcomes in AS patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and patient data concerning pregnancy in AS.
- Comparison of disease activity, fertility rates, and pregnancy outcomes between AS patients and the general female population.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy generally does not improve AS symptoms; disease activity often remains unchanged or worsens temporarily.
- AS associated with other inflammatory conditions like psoriasis or IBS may show improvement during pregnancy.
- Women with AS exhibit normal fertility rates, pregnancy courses, and delivery outcomes, with generally healthy infants.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy does not confer symptomatic benefits for most women with ankylosing spondylitis.
- While AS itself doesn't typically worsen pregnancy, there's a slightly elevated risk of offspring developing AS.
- Management strategies for AS should consider the unique aspects of pregnancy and potential long-term familial risk.