Pregnancy complications in women with an inborn error of immunity: a systematic review

Many patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) reach the reproductive age these days. This systematic review focuses on possible complications during pregnancy in women with IEI.

The total number of pregnancies reported was 2531 in seven cohort studies. A total number of 97 pregnancies was described in case reports. Based on the cohort studies, there was an increased prevalence of preterm births (10.4-13%), caesarean sections (14-18%) and low neonatal weight at birth (4.5-16.5%) in women with IEI compared to control groups (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the prevalence of ectopic pregnancies, terminated pregnancies, gestational diabetes, spontaneous abortions and stillbirths in women with IEI compared to control populations based on the available cohort studies. Case reports showed infections in women with IEI were associated with premature delivery of the infant and an emergency caesarean section. Furthermore, women with IEI who previously experienced pregnancy complications, had uncomplicated pregnancies after immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IGRT).

There was a higher prevalence of preterm births, caesarian sections and low neonatal birth weight in pregnant women with IEI compared to control groups. Treatment of antibody deficiencies may lower the risk of pregnancy complications.