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Neurofibromatosis type 1 and pregnancy
1Department of Obstetrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80218, USA.
American Journal of Medical Genetics
|December 2, 1996
Summary
Pregnancy in women with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) shows a higher cesarean section rate. However, this study found no increased risk for common pregnancy complications like preeclampsia or preterm birth in NF-1 patients.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Obstetrics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant disorder with variable clinical presentations.
- Existing literature suggests increased pregnancy complications for women with NF-1, but is often based on limited case reports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pregnancy outcomes in a larger cohort of women with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.
- To investigate the incidence of specific pregnancy complications and changes in neurofibromas during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Data collected via questionnaires and medical record reviews from 105 women with NF-1.
- Analysis of 247 pregnancies, including live births, spontaneous abortions, elective terminations, and ectopic pregnancies.
- Comparison of cesarean section rates with general population data.
Main Results:
- The cesarean section rate was 36%, significantly higher than the general population rate.
- No increased incidence of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, or perinatal mortality was observed.
- 60% of women reported new or enlarged neurofibromas during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- While cesarean delivery is more frequent, common adverse pregnancy outcomes do not appear elevated in women with NF-1.
- Pregnancy can lead to changes in neurofibromas for a majority of affected women.