Obstetrical and neonatal outcome in pregnant patients with rheumatic disease.

Possible associations between inflammatory rheumatic and connective tissue disease and adverse pregnancy outcome were assessed by using the Medical Birth Registry of Norway during the years 1967-95. All women with rheumatic disease were compared to women without such disease. Data on pregnancy outcome and deliveries were analyzed after adjustment for possible confounding factors. Women with rheumatic disease had significantly higher rates of preeclampsia, premature delivery and cesarean section as well a significantly increased relative risk of SGA children in all diagnostic groups in 1967-95. These findings emphasize the importance of close monitoring of pregnancy and delivery not only in patients with connective tissue disease, but also in patients with other inflammatory rheumatic disease.