Analysis of pregnancy outcome and mother-child related concerns in patients with Takayasu arteritis

Abstract

Objective To assess pregnancy outcome and pregnancy related concerns in Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients. Methods We analyzed 68 female patients with TA retrospectively from Xijing hospital. Data on the number of pregnancies, births and pregnancy outcomes before and after disease onset were retrieved from medical charts, patient questionnaires and the department of Obstetrics in Xijing Hospital. Data on pregnancy related concerns were gathered from patient questionnaires. Results Altogether, 68 women in the TA study cohort had 106 pregnancies, 73 (in 41 patients) before disease onset and 33 (in 28 patients) after disease onset. There were no difference in the frequencies of miscarriages, induced abortions and maternal complications before and after TA onset. Pregnancy related hypertension was seen in 4.7% of the TA patients compared to 2.0% (χ2=1.238, P>0.05) of the reference cohort from the department of Obstetrics in Xijing Hospital and preeclampsia/eclampsia in 4.7% of the TA patients compared to 2.8% of the reference cohort(χ2=1.835, P>0.05). The mean gestational age at delivery in pregnancies after TA onset was (37±6) weeks compared to (39±4) weeks in the reference cohort (χ2=14.665, P<0.01). Caesarian sections were more frequent in deliveries after TA onset (36%) than in the reference cohort (15%) (χ2=13.322, P<0.01). 86% of the TA patients had pregnancy related concerns. Of these concerns, 72% was about passing the disease to offsprings. Conclusion In this population based TA cohort, the maternal and fetal outcomes are favorable. Pregnancy related concerns are very popular in TAK patients. Key words: Takayasu arteritis; Pregnancy; Pregnancy complications