Characteristics, Clinical Outcomes and Healthcare Utilization of Women with Cystic Fibrosis and their Live Newborns Delivered in the Hospital Setting.

Abstract

Introduction: Survival in cystic fibrosis (CF) is increasing and more women are considering their reproductive options, however there is limited data on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in this population. The objectives of this study were to describe maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with CF and the general Canadian maternal population (general population).

Methods: Maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization for in-hospital live births was retrieved from the Canadian Institute for Health Information's Discharge Abstract Database. Mothers with CF were identified using the ICD-10-CA code for CF. The observation period was fiscal year (FY) 2006-2007 to FY2020-2021 for mothers with CF, and FY2019-2020 for the general population.

Results: During the 15-year observation period, there were 154 newborns from 146 deliveries among 124 mothers with CF. Relative to the general population, mothers with CF were younger (median age 28 vs. 31 years), had more comorbidities, induction of labour, epidural, assisted delivery and use of assisted reproductive technologies, but fewer cesarean sections. Nearly 85% of mothers with CF delivered in a hospital that had a CF clinic. 6.8% of mothers with CF were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Neonates born to mothers with CF had high rates of multiple births, preterm delivery, and jaundice. 26.6% of neonates born to mothers with CF were admitted to the neonatal ICU.

Conclusions: While no inferential analyses were done, mothers with CF and their newborns may experience worse post-delivery outcomes and may require greater use of healthcare resources than the general population.