Publication:

Connective tissue disorders in pregnancy: maternal and fetal perspective

Background The objective of this study was to study maternal and fetal outcome in connective tissue disorders in pregnancy.

Methods This was a retrospective type of observational study done in department of obstetrics and gynecology and department of rheumatology at a King Edward Memorial hospital over a period of 1.5 years. 48 women were included in this study after informed consent. All these women presented with collagen disorders to ANC outpatient department or to rheumatology outpatient department or in emergency. All postpartum patients having connective tissue disorders not recruited during ANC were also included in this study after taking their written, informed and valid consent.

Results Connective tissue disorders are associated with multiple voluntary and involuntary abortions as well as intrauterine fetal deaths. Even in those women having live births, many undergo cesarean sections due to various indications like fetal distress, poor biophysical profile, non-reassuring non stress test etc. Neonates born to mothers with connective tissue disorders are growth restricted and many of them need intensive care admission. Also, these women were found to have multiple associated medical comorbidities in pregnancy.

Conclusions The data collected and the results arrived upon should help contribute significant literature regarding collagen disorders in pregnancy and help in better fetal and maternal management during pregnancy.