Outcomes of 42 pregnancies in 14 women with cartilage-hair hypoplasia: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is a rare skeletal dysplasia characterized by disproportionate short stature, immunodeficiency, anemia and risk of malignancies. All these features can affect pregnancy and predispose to maternal and fetal complications. This study aimed to evaluate obstetric history and maternal and fetal outcomes in women with CHH. Methods: Among 47 Finnish women with CHH, we identified 14 women with ICD codes related to pregnancies, childbirth and puerperium in the National Hospital Discharge Registry and obtained detailed data on gynecologic and obstetric history with a questionnaire. Offspring birth length and weight were collected and compared with population-based normal values. Results: There were altogether 42 pregnancies in 14 women (median height 124 cm, range 105–139 cm; 4′1′′, range 3′5′′–4′7′’). Twenty-six pregnancies (62%), including one twin pregnancy, led to a delivery. Miscarriages, induced abortions and ectopic pregnancies complicated 9, 5, and 2 pregnancies, respectively. Severe pregnancy-related complications were rare. All women with CHH delivered by cesarean section, mostly due to evident cephalo-pelvic disproportion, and in 25/26 cases at full-term. In the majority, the birth length (median 48 cm, range 45.5–50 cm; 1′7′′, range 1′6′′–1′8′′) and weight (3010 g, range 2100–3320 g; 6.6 lb, range 4.6–7.3 lb) of the offspring in full-term singleton pregnancies was normal. Conclusions: Despite CHH mothers’ significant short stature and other potential CHH-related effects on pregnancy outcome, most pregnancies lead to a term cesarean section delivery. Since fetal growth was generally unaffected, cephalo-pelvic disproportion was evident and planned cesarean section should be contemplated in term pregnancies.