Myositis and pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy outcome in patients with inflammatory myositis (IM) remains poorly understood but, current data suggest active disease can increase the risk of adverse foetal outcome. Flare of previously diagnosed myositis or new onset of myositis during the puerperal period has been described. However, a favourable outcome has been noted if myositis is in remission. Caution should be excised with the treatment options, but the use of azathioprine (<2 mg/kg/day), hydroxychloroquine, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus are compatible with pregnancy and can be continued during breastfeeding. Inflammatory myopathies (IIM) comprise a group of diseases of unknown cause resulting in muscle inflammation and subsequent muscle weakness.