Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases collection on pregnancy 2018–2023: observational data-driven knowledge

• Published in: Annals of the rheumatic diseases Vol. 83; no. 8; pp. 965 - 970
• Main Authors: Duhig, Kate, Hyrich, Kimme L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism 01.08.2024; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Antibodies; Antirheumatic Agents - therapeutic use; arthritis; Aspirin; Birth rate; Birth weight; child; Clinical trials; Congenital diseases; connective tissue diseases; Disease management; epidemiology; Female; Fetuses; health services research; Humans; Lupus; Musculoskeletal diseases; Observational Studies as Topic; Preeclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications - drug therapy; Pregnancy Outcome; Review; Rheumatic diseases; Rheumatic Diseases - drug therapy; Rheumatoid arthritis; Risk factors; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; Womens health; epidemiology; health services research; arthritis; child; connective tissue diseases
• ISSN: 0003-4967; 1468-2060; 1468-2060
• DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224861

Pregnancy can be an exciting time but for those living with rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), it can also be a time fraught with concern, including what effect pregnancy will have on the underlying RMD and what effect the RMD may have on the pregnancy and the baby, including the effects of medications. Generating an evidence base in pregnancy is challenging. Few interventional trials of medications in RMD pregnancies have ever been conducted, often for concerns of safety for both the mother and the child. Therefore, observational research remains important for informing clinical practice and helping women with RMDs make decisions regarding their health preconception and during pregnancy. The Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD) continues to publish important research on pregnancy in RMDs to increase the evidence base on this subject. Here we present an overview of papers published on this topic between January 2018 and December 2023. Our focus includes papers on pregnancy and RMD outcome, the effects of drug exposure, fetal outcomes as well as fertility.