The impact of pregnancy on future health in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A systematic review of the literature

IF 9.2 1区医学 Q1 IMMUNOLOGY

Autoimmunity reviews Pub Date : 2025-04-08 DOI:10.1016/j.autrev.2025.103808

Bethan Goulden , George Woodward , Sophie Leiner , Zahra Ahmed , Sophie Covington , Diane Nzelu , Radboud Dolhain , Ian Giles

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

To assess whether obstetric history predicts future rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis, severity, and/or maternal health beyond the immediate postpartum period.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted on 01/07/24 (PubMed, Embase); PROSPERO ID CRD42024559893. Primary research examining health outcomes in RA-affected females, stratified on obstetric history pre- or post-RA onset, were selected for inclusion. Studies of overlapping cohorts were included if differing exposures/outcomes reported.

Results

Out of 3333 articles screened, 95 studies were selected. Future health outcomes analysed included RA diagnosis (n = 66 studies), severity (n = 11), cardiovascular disease (n = 2), immunity (n = 9), and microchimerism (n = 7). Parity/gravidity (n = 67), infertility (n = 7), and pregnancy loss (n = 22) were not reliable predictors of subsequent RA. High parity (n = 2) was linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk in RA-affected females. Both pre-eclampsia (n = 4) and delivery of a low birthweight infant (n = 2) were associated with RA diagnosis/severity. A trend suggested increased RA risk after preterm birth (n = 3) and severe hyperemesis gravidarum (n = 3), but not for gestational diabetes (n = 1). No significant differences in post-translational modification of serum proteins were noted beyond 6 months postpartum, though persistent differences in anti-HLA antibodies and microchimerism were observed.

Conclusions

Research indicates that parity, gravidity, infertility, and pregnancy loss do not adversely affect RA development. Conversely, low birthweight delivery was associated with RA diagnosis and severity, while pre-eclampsia correlated with subsequent RA diagnosis. Differences in immune responses, as indicated by anti-HLA and microchimerism, may indicate immune sensitisation relevant to RA pathogenesis. The predictive impact of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes on cardiovascular health in RA-affected females remains unstudied.

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来源期刊

Autoimmunity reviews 医学-免疫学

CiteScore

24.70

自引率

4.40%

发文量

164

审稿时长

21 days

期刊介绍： Autoimmunity Reviews is a publication that features up-to-date, structured reviews on various topics in the field of autoimmunity. These reviews are written by renowned experts and include demonstrative illustrations and tables. Each article will have a clear "take-home" message for readers. The selection of articles is primarily done by the Editors-in-Chief, based on recommendations from the international Editorial Board. The topics covered in the articles span all areas of autoimmunology, aiming to bridge the gap between basic and clinical sciences. In terms of content, the contributions in basic sciences delve into the pathophysiology and mechanisms of autoimmune disorders, as well as genomics and proteomics. On the other hand, clinical contributions focus on diseases related to autoimmunity, novel therapies, and clinical associations. Autoimmunity Reviews is internationally recognized, and its articles are indexed and abstracted in prestigious databases such as PubMed/Medline, Science Citation Index Expanded, Biosciences Information Services, and Chemical Abstracts.