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Meta-Analysis
. 2019 Mar;46(3):245-250.
doi: 10.3899/jrheum.180226. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Really Improve During Pregnancy? A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

Hannah Jethwa  1   2 , Suzanne Lam  3   4 , Colette Smith  3   4 , Ian Giles  3   4
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Really Improve During Pregnancy? A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

Hannah Jethwa et al. J Rheumatol. 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: We performed a systematic review and metaanalysis to assess rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity during pregnancy using objective disease activity scoring systems.

Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE/Medline, Cochrane, and LactMed databases was performed. Our inclusion criteria for analysis were prospective studies, more than 5 patients per study, and data on RA using an objective scoring system conducted by a clinician/health professional.

Results: Ten studies were eligible for final analysis, which included 237 patients, of which prepartum data were available for 204 patients. Postpartum disease activity was recorded in 135 pregnancies.

Conclusion: Disease activity improved in 60% of patients with RA in pregnancy and flared in 46.7% postpartum.

Keywords: DISEASE ACTIVITY; INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS; PREGNANCY; PROSPECTIVE; RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.

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