Contraception and Pregnancy in Patients with Rheumatic Disease

ABOUT THIS BOOK

• Shows how pregnancy-related immune changes may affect underlying autoimmune disease and how rheumatic disease may impact pregnancy outcome
• Offers rheumatologists and gynecologists the indispensable knowledge of their specialties’ interaction, in order to discuss benefits and risks of medications and procedures with patients
• Includes clinical guidelines for pregnancy management in specific rheumatic diseases
• An invaluable resource for rheumatologists, OB/GYNs, and REI specialists

Most general rheumatologists and OB/GYNs have limited experience in caring for rheumatic disease patients during pregnancy, and many do not have ready access to expert colleagues in this area. Contraception and Pregnancy in Patients with Rheumatic Disease fills this gap by presenting the basics of contraception, fertility treatment, and pregnancy in rheumatic disease patients. This comprehensive resource begins by introducing key concepts that clinicians need to know when assessing the pregnant rheumatic disease patient. It goes on to cover specific rheumatic conditions in pregnancy, including systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic sclerosis, inflammatory myositis, and more. The book concludes by explaining additional related reproductive issues such as contraception, neonatal lupus, and long-term outcome of children of rheumatic disease patients.

With advances in rheumatology therapies, obstetric monitoring, and reproductive medicine technologies, increasing numbers of women with rheumatic diseases are pursuing pregnancy. Summarizing the current state of knowledge and presenting a general approach for assessment of the rheumatic disease, this book serves as an invaluable reference tool for both rheumatologists and OB/GYNs.

Content Level » Professional/practitioner
Keywords » Contraception - Pregnancy - Rheumatic Disease - preeclampsia - systemic autoimmune
Related subjects » Gynecology - Rheumatology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

An Introduction to Contraception and Pregnancy in Patients with Rheumatic Disease.- Normal pregnancy, pregnancy complications (preeclampsia), and obstetric management.- Pre-pregnancy assessment: general approach to the pregnant rheumatic disease patient.- Pregnancy in specific rheumatic diseases.- Systemic lupus erythematosus.- Antiphospholipid syndrome.- Rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative spondyloarthropathy.- Sjogren’s syndrome.- Systemic sclerosis.- Myositis.- Vasculitis.- Additional reproductive issues.- Contraception in rheumatic disease patients.- Assisted reproductive techniques in rheumatic disease patients.- Fetal and neonatal issues.- Neonatal lupus.- Medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.- Long term outcome of children of rheumatic disease patients.

AUTHORS & EDITORS

Lisa R. Sammaritano
Weill Cornell Medical College
New York, NY
USA

Bonnie L. Bermas
Division of Rheumatology
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA
USA