Pregnancy and systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Pregnancy has been reported infrequently in patients with systemic sclerosis. Consequently, the outcome and appropriate management of such patients is uncertain. We review the obstetric experience of 19 female patients with systemic sclerosis, and report 2 women in whom 3 pregnancies occurred during the course of disease. Maternal complications included hypertension during 2 of these pregnancies and congestive heart failure during 1. There were 2 premature deliveries, although all 3 infants survived. Our experience with these patients and a review of the available literature suggest that, in patients with systemic sclerosis, fertility may be reduced and complications of pregnancy may be more frequent.