Pregnancy outcomes in inflammatory skin diseases

Abstract

Background and Design: Inflammation can lead to adverse outcomes in pregnancy. Some inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis, are associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. The objectives of our study were to assess the effect of various inflammatory skin diseases (ISDs) on pregnancy outcomes and to evaluate the course of ISDs during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In this multicenter cohort study, a total of 242 pregnant women in three groups including 32 pregnants with a history of ISDs, 70 pregnants with a diagnosis of systemic disease and 140 healthy pregnants were prospectively analyzed. Results: The rate of adverse pregnancy outcome was 34.4% in ISDs, 37.1% in systemic diseases and 25% in healthy pregnant groups (p=0.16). Gestational diabetes mellitus (12.5%) and thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy (9.4%) were the most common adverse outcomes of pregnancy seen in ISDs group. The disease course of ISDs was stable in 50%, improved in 28.1% and exacerbated in 21.9% of patients during pregnancy. Conclusion: We could not demonstrate a significant association between ISDs and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Most of the ISDs were either stable or improved during pregnancy.