| Abstract: | ABSTRACT
Objective Using a 3-year nationwide population-based
database (2001–3), this study aims to examine the
relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and
adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Methods The study used the Taiwan National Health
Insurance Research Dataset and birth certifi cate
registry. In total, 1912 mothers with RA and 9560
matched comparison mothers were included.
Separate conditional logistic regression analyses
were carried out to explore the risk of low birthweight
(LBW), preterm births, small for gestational age
(SGA) infants, preeclampsia and delivery mode
(vaginal vs caesarean section (CS)) for the study
and comparison groups.
Results Regression analyses showed that the adjusted
odds of LBW, SGA infants, preeclampsia and CS for
women with RA were 1.47 (95% CI 1.22 to 1.78), 1.20
(95% CI 1.05 to 1.38), 2.22 (95% CI 1.59 to 3.11) and
1.19 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.31) times, respectively, that of
comparison mothers.
Conclusion Women with RA had an increased risk of
LBW, SGA babies, preeclampsia and CS compared with
unaffected women. |
