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Pregnancy in women with systemic sclerosis
1Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15261.
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Pregnancy in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) is possible, with no increased risk of miscarriage or perinatal death. However, monitoring for preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction is advised.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Obstetrics
- Perinatology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Pregnancy outcomes in women with SSc require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fetal morbidity and mortality in pregnant women with SSc.
- To compare pregnancy outcomes in SSc patients with control groups.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study involving 48 women with SSc and their pregnancies.
- Age- and race-matched control groups: rheumatoid arthritis patients and neighborhood controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in miscarriage or perinatal death rates between SSc and control groups.
- Slightly higher rates of preterm birth in SSc and rheumatoid arthritis groups.
- Significantly more small-for-gestational-age full-term infants born to women with SSc.
- Preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age rates were similar before and after SSc onset.
Conclusions:
- Women with SSc can have healthy pregnancies with appropriate monitoring.
- Close monitoring for premature birth and intrauterine growth retardation is necessary.
- Women with early, rapidly progressive, diffuse SSc should avoid pregnancy due to high risk of renal crisis.