Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) belong to the group of inflammatory muscle diseases characterized by inflammation of the muscles. These diseases are usually studied together as dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM). Regarding pregnant patients affected with DM/PM, important individual issues arise as: (1) Do female patients with DM/PM successfully complete pregnancy, giving birth to healthy infants or is there high risk of complications for both mother and fetus? (2) Is there a connection between activity of DM/PM and high risk of complications during gestation? (3) Does pregnancy increase the risk of DM/PM activation? (4) Does pregnancy increase the risk of DM/PM relapse during or right after gestation? After our attempt to answer these questions, we will refer to the treatment of the disease during pregnancy and the effect it could have on the completion of pregnancy.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant condition with a reported incidence rate of 1 in 3000 to 5000 individuals. The majority of cases of MFS are caused by a mutation in the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1). Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays an important role in Marfan syndrome. The identification of the FBN-1 mutation will help identify potentially affected family members and promote prenatal diagnostic testing. β blockers decrease myocardial contractility and pulse pressure and may also improve the elastic properties of the aorta. Angiotensin II-receptor blockers attenuate the clinical manifestations of MFS.