Vasculitis in pregnancy

Abstract

A growing number of women with vasculitis are becoming pregnant, largely the result of improved patient outcomes in vasculitis as a whole. Given such pregnancies are infrequent, there is a paucity of outcomes data from which to guide care. Women with vasculitis have higher rates of pregnancy loss and pre-term birth than the general population, and active disease contributes to negative results for the mother and foetus. Pregnancies have been reported in a variety of vasculitis types, with Takayasu arteritis and Behçet’s disease more commonly observed. The majority of pregnancies in women with vasculitis can result in favorable outcomes for both the mother and baby; planning prior to conception, well-controlled disease, the use of pregnancy compatible medications and close follow up with a multidisciplinary team are key to a successful pregnancy.