PREGNANCY OUTCOMES IN WOMEN WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES; A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY CONDUCTED IN DUBAI HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: This research aimed to examine the characteristics of antenatal complications and neonatal comorbidities related to pregnant women with rheumatic disease (RD).

Methods: The current research recruited 185 pregnant women with RD from a broad cohort, considering age, ethnicity/nationality, and prior pregnancies. We gathered and analyzed information on gestational age, mode of delivery, prenatal problems, and neonatal comorbidities.

Results: Most women (118; 63.8%) gave birth after 37 weeks of pregnancy, with (90; 48.6%) having a cesarean procedure and (95; 51.4%) are with vaginal delivery. Diabetes 34 (18.4%), hypertension (18; 9.7%), anemia (47; 25.4%), and postpartum hemorrhage (11.5%) were most common among the antenatal problems. In our study, 40 out of 185 women (21.6%) had anti-phospholipid antibodies, while 68 women (36.75%) had anti-Ro and anti-LA antibodies.14 patients had delivery before 32 weeks; 8 among them had antiphospholipid antibodies, which is statistically significant.(.P= 0.001). Neonatal comorbidities included jaundice (15; 8.1%), premature delivery (11; 5.9%), and admission to the newborn intensive care unit (68; 36.8%). Pregnancy-related disease flare-ups were uncommon (5; 2.7%).

Conclusion:  Comprehensive prenatal care, close monitoring, and multidisciplinary management are crucial for optimizing maternal and neonatal outcomes. When treating pregnant individuals, it is important to find a balance between managing their illness and ensuring the safety of any medications used. This requires a personalized approach to treatment. The impact of Research and Development (RD) on maternal and neonatal health outcomes requires further investigation with larger sample sizes