Pregnancy issues in scleroderma

Pregnancy as a susceptible state for thrombotic microangiopathies

Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent phases of heightened vulnerability to thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), as evidenced by distinct patterns of pregnancy-specific TMAs (e.g., preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome), as well as a higher incidence of nonspecific TMAs, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or hemolytic uremic syndrome, during pregnancy. Significant strides have been taken in understanding the underlying mechanisms of these disorders in the past 40 years. This progress has involved the identification of pivotal factors contributing to TMAs, such as the complement system, ADAMTS13, and the soluble VEGF receptor Flt1. Regardless of the specific causal factor (which is not generally unique in relation to the usual multifactorial origin of TMAs), the endothelial cell stands as a central player in the pathophysiology of TMAs. Pregnancy has a major impact on the physiology of the endothelium. Besides to the development of placenta and its vascular consequences, pregnancy modifies the characteristics of the women's microvascular endothelium and tends to render it more prone to thrombosis. This review aims to delineate the distinct features of pregnancy-related TMAs and explore the contributing mechanisms that lead to this increased susceptibility, particularly influenced by the "gravid endothelium." Furthermore, we will discuss the potential contribution of histopathological studies in facilitating the etiological diagnosis of pregnancy-related TMAs.

Prevalence and clinical associations with primary hypogonadism in male systemic sclerosis

Background

Systemic sclerosis may affect male and female fertility. Premature ovarian failure has been reported in female systemic sclerosis patients, but the effects on male fertility in systemic sclerosis have not been studied.

Objectives

We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical associations with primary hypogonadism among male systemic sclerosis patients.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional pilot study, including 30 adult male systemic sclerosis patients attending the Scleroderma Clinic, Khon Kaen University. Testosterone deficiency symptoms were assessed using the Aging Males' Symptoms Rating Scale, urological examination, and blood testing (for total testosterone, free testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone). We excluded patients with congenital hypogonadism and any acquired disorders of the testes and genitalia. The definition of primary hypogonadism was based on the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male 2015 diagnostic criteria for hypogonadism.

Results

Seven patients met the definition of primary hypogonadism-a prevalence of 23.3% (95% confidence interval: 9.9-42.3). The respective mean age and mean systemic sclerosis duration was 59.4 ± 11.9 and 5.5 ± 4.7 years. Older age at onset, high triglyceride level, and older age starting corticosteroid treatment were significantly associated with primary hypogonadism (p = 0.02, 0.02, and 0.03, respectively). Systemic sclerosis subset, disease severity, and immunosuppressant use were not associated with primary hypogonadism among Thai male systemic sclerosis patients.

Conclusion

Around one-quarter of male systemic sclerosis patients had primary hypogonadism. Elderly onset of systemic sclerosis, hypertriglyceridemia, and late corticosteroid treatment were risk factors for developing primary hypogonadism.

Reproductive Issues and Pregnancy Implications in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease that can influence reproductive health. SSc has a strong female predominance, and the disease onset can occur during fertility age in almost 50% of patients. Preconception counseling, adjustment of treatment, and close surveillance during pregnancy by a multidisciplinary team, are key points to minimize fetal and maternal risks and favor successful pregnancy outcomes. The rates of spontaneous pregnancy losses are comparable to those of the general obstetric population, except for patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and severe internal organ involvement who may carry a higher risk of abortion. Preterm birth can frequently occur in women with SSc, as it happens in other rheumatic diseases. Overall disease activity generally remains stable during pregnancy, but particular attention should be paid to women with major organ disease, such as renal and cardiopulmonary involvement. Women with such severe involvement should be thoroughly informed about the risks during pregnancy and possibly discouraged from getting pregnant. A high frequency of sexual dysfunction has been described among SSc patients, both in females and in males, and pathogenic mechanisms of SSc may play a fundamental role in determining this impairment. Fertility is overall normal in SSc women, while no studies in the literature have investigated fertility in SSc male patients. Nevertheless, some considerations regarding the impact of some immunosuppressive drugs should be done with male patients, referring to the knowledge gained in other rheumatic diseases.

Progesterone Aggravates Lung Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Systemic Sclerosis

Background

Gender-related factors have explained the higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women. Sex hormones play a key role in the immune system and parenchymal cells function; therefore, these hormones can be important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases as a risk or beneficial factor. Lung fibrosis is the main cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis, a female predominant autoimmune disease. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of progesterone on lung fibrosis in a mouse model of systemic sclerosis.

Methods

Mice with bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis treated with progesterone subcutaneously for 21 and 28 days. Blood was collected for hormone and cytokine measurement at the end of treatment then, skin and lung tissues were harvested for histological assessment, gene expression, cytokine, hydroxyproline, and gelatinase measurement.

Results

Trichrome staining and hydroxyproline measurements showed that progesterone treatment increased the content of collagen in fibrotic and normal lung tissues. Progesterone increased α-SMA (P < 0.01), TGF- β (P < 0.05) and decreased MMP9 (P < 0.05) in fibrotic lung tissues. Also progesterone treatment decreased the gene expression of Col1a2 (P <0.05), Ctgf (P <01), End1 (0.001) in bleomycin- injured lung tissues. The serum level of TNF-α was decreased, but the serum level of cortisol was increased by progesterone treatment in fibrotic mice (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results showed that progesterone aggravates lung fibrosis in a mouse model of systemic sclerosis.

Pregnancy termination in patients with rheumatic diseases

Rheumatic diseases affect women during their reproductive years. Many women with rheumatic diseases become pregnant; some undergo pregnancy termination. However, there are no official guidelines on pregnancy termination in patients with rheumatic diseases. This paper provides an overview of considerations that healthcare professionals must take into account. We highlight areas that require further studies and the importance of pregnancy planning and contraception counseling. Patients with rheumatic diseases need to be informed of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy to make informed reproductive decisions and reduce the need for pregnancy terminations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The Influence of Pregnancy on the Clinical Evolution and Prognosis of Pre-Existing Inflammatory and Autoimmune Skin Disorders and Their Management

BACKGROUND

Although the possible occurrence of typical dermatoses during pregnancy is well recognized, little is known about the influence of pregnancy on the clinical evolution and prognosis of different pre-existing chronic dermatological disorders.

SUMMARY

In this study a comprehensive search of the available literature and reviews has been undertaken in order to collect and analyze articles reporting pre-existing chronic skin disorders in pregnant women and report current knowledge on their particular clinical and therapeutic aspects.

Exacerbations of autoimmune diseases during pregnancy and postpartum

Autoimmune diseases represent a complex heterogeneous group of disorders that occur as a results of immune homeostasis dysregulation and loss of self-tolerance. Interestingly, more than 80% of the cases are found among women at reproductive age. Normal pregnancy is associated with remarkable changes in the immune and endocrine signaling required to tolerate and support the development and survival of the placenta and the semi-allogenic fetus in the hostile maternal immune system environment. Gravidity and postpartum represent an extremely challenge period, and likewise the general population, women suffering from autoimmune disorders attempt pregnancy. Effective preconception counseling and subsequent gestation and postpartum follow-up are crucial for improving mother and child outcomes. This comprehensive review provides information about the different pathways modulating autoimmune diseases activity and severity, such as the influence hormones, microbiome, infections, vaccines, among others, as well as updated recommendations were needed, in order to offer those women better medical care and life quality.

Infertility in women with systemic autoimmune diseases

Infertility consists by definition in" failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse" while the term subfertility means a delay to achieve pregnancy. Several factors can contribute to infertility or subfertility in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. The association of systemic autoimmune conditions with endometriosis, celiac disease and thyroid autoimmunity that are well known causes of infertility and/or subfertility need to be taken in consideration when difficulties in the onset of pregnancy is reported. The majority of the used antirheumatic drugs do not interfere with fertility. However, the use of cyclophosphamide, limited to severe disease, can provoke premature ovarian failure; to preserve fertility a preventive treatment is available. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause temporary infertility and corticosteroids are associated to a prolonged time to pregnancy in some rheumatic diseases. Data on the association of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) with infertility are still debated but in general an increased rate of aPL is described patients undergoing medically assisted reproductive techniques. In systemic lupus erythematosus aPL and other autoantibodies (i.e. anti-oocytes) can contribute to the infertility of some patients. Subfertility, rather than infertility, is observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; the particular physical conditions of these women can also account for this. Physicians should not forget the patients' age, that is mandatory in order to preserve their chance to have children.

Systemic sclerosis in pregnancy

Systemic sclerosis is a rare multisystem connective tissue disease. It predominantly affects women and poses a significant risk to mother and baby during pregnancy if not managed appropriately. The commonest manifestations are skin fibrosis and Raynaud's phenomenon. Subgroups of women have an increased risk of organ involvement, especially interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension and renal crises. Pregnancy increases the risk to the mother, especially those with established organ involvement, but also the development of new organ dysfunction; and risks to the fetus. Optimising these women prior to conception, along with careful management and surveillance during pregnancy, is vital for optimising pregnancy outcome. Women with scleroderma need to be managed in a specialised centre with coordinated care from the multi-disciplinary teams including physicians, obstetricians, anaesthetists, neonatologists and midwives. This review aims to describe the risks associated with systemic sclerosis and pregnancy, with management advice for physicians looking after pregnant women with this chronic condition.

Pregnancy in Systemic Sclerosis: Results of a Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

OBJECTIVE

Through a systematic literature search (SLR) and metaanalysis, to determine maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies involving systemic sclerosis (SSc), to analyze the effect of pregnancy on disease activity, and to examine predictors of fetal and maternal outcomes.

METHODS

An SLR was performed for articles on SSc and pregnancy published between 1950 and February 1, 2018. Reviewers double-extracted articles to obtain agreement on > 95% of predefined critical outcomes.

RESULTS

Out of 461 publications identified, 16 were included in the metaanalysis. The metaanalysis showed that pregnancies involving SSc were at higher risk of miscarriage (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.22-2.22), fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR; OR 3.2, 95% CI 2.21-4.53), preterm births (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.14-4.86), and newborns with low birth weight (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.16-6.56). Patients with SSc had a 2.8 times higher chance of developing gestational hypertension (HTN; OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.28-3.39) and a 2.3 times higher chance of cesarean delivery compared to controls (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.37-3.8). The definitions of disease worsening/new visceral organ involvement were too inexact to have any confidence in the results, although worsening or new disease manifestations during pregnancy in 44/307 cases (14.3%) and 6 months postpartum in 32/306 cases (10.5%) were reported. The data did not permit definition of predictors of disease progression and of maternal and fetal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancies involving SSc have increased frequency of miscarriages, IUGR, preterm deliveries, and newborns with low birth weight compared to healthy controls. Women with SSc were more prone to develop gestational HTN and to undergo cesarean delivery. Disease manifestations seem to remain stable or improve in most patients.

Safety of fertility treatments in women with systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs)

Introduction: Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (SADs) include systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and vasculitis. SADs often occur in women of childbearing age and can affect fertility. Both infertility treatments and fertility preservation techniques are thus often indicated. Areas covered: The literature regarding the safety of fertility-related drugs for both fertility preservation and infertility treatment in patients affected by SADs was reviewed. Based on current knowledge, all the options for fertility preservation should be contemplated in patients with SADs who are at risk for fertility loss, including GnRH analogue administration, oocyte/embryo vitrification and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Similarly, if pregnancy is not contraindicated in a patient with a SAD, neither should be any fertility treatment. Expert opinion: Women with SADs should postpone conception until a stable disease has been achieved for at least 6 months. When infertility treatments are needed, women with antiphospholipid antibodies should receive concomitant anticoagulation. If in vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer is required, ovarian hyperstimulation and the inherent risk of thrombosis should be eliminated by GnRH-agonist trigger and cycle segmentation. Counselling about adherence to anti-rheumatic therapy to prevent disease exacerbations is also critical.

Autoimmunity in obstetrics and autoimmune diseases in pregnancy

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are associated with strong female preponderance and often present before or during the reproductive years; consequently, pregnancy and breastfeeding are topics of major interest for these patients. AIDs show different responses to pregnancy: some ameliorate, while others remain unchanged, and several AIDs aggravate. The response of the AIDs to the hormonal and immunological alterations of pregnancy reflects the different pathophysiology of each disease. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are associated with multiple autoantibodies, multiorgan involvement, more aggressive therapy, and increased impact on pregnancy outcome. For the management of pregnancy in patients with SLE and/or APS, it is important to individuate the correct risk profile for each woman and timing for treatment. The optimal timing for starting or modulating treatment is at preconception assessment to influence the placentation. In this chapter, we discuss the management of pregnancy in patients with AIDs.

Treatment of morphea with hydroxychloroquine: A retrospective review of 84 patients at Mayo Clinic, 1996-2013

BACKGROUND

Few studies support treating morphea (localized scleroderma) with hydroxychloroquine.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine treatment of morphea.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 84 patients who had morphea and were treated with hydroxychloroquine monotherapy for at least 6 months at our institution from 1996 through 2013. The median times to initial and maximal responses were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 84 patients (median age at diagnosis, 29.5 years), 65 (77.4%) were female, 36 (42.9%) had a complete response to hydroxychloroquine, 32 (38.1%) had a partial response greater than 50%, 10 (11.9%) had a partial response less than or equal to 50%, and 6 (7.1%) had no response. The median time to initial response was 4 months, and the median time to maximal response was 12 months. Ten patients (11.9%) experienced adverse effects from hydroxychloroquine; the most common adverse effect was nausea (6 patients).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydroxychloroquine is a valuable treatment for morphea because of its high response rate and low rate of adverse effects; however, prospective studies are needed to determine its true efficacy.

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases and pregnancy

Autoimmune connective tissue-diseases are more frequent in women and deserve a multidisciplinary approach in which the dermatologist play a major role together with other physicians. Pregnancy in these patients has to be considered a high-risk situation, because of possible worsening of the mother's disease and increased morbility and mortality for the fetus; also, therapies have to be chosen carefully because some drugs cannot be used during pregnancy. For all these reasons, the decision to become pregnant needs to consider the type of disease, stage of disease, age and clinical condition, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. A correct counselling, a close monitoring, a specific approach based on the risks involved and the use of appropriate therapies are the keys to obtain optimal pregnancy outcomes.

[Pregnancy in systemic autoimmune diseases: Myths, certainties and doubts]

Systemic autoimmune diseases especially affect young women during childbearing age. The aim of this review is to update systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic sclerosis management during pregnancy. These diseases present variable maternal and fetal risks. Studies show that an appropriate disease control and a reasonable remission period prior to pregnancy are associated with satisfactory obstetric outcomes. Antiphospholipid autoantibodies profile, anti-Ro/anti-La antibodies, pulmonary pressure and activity evaluation are crucial to assess the pregnancy risk. Monitoring requires a multidisciplinary team, serial analytic controls and Doppler ultrasound of maternal and fetal circulation. Evaluation of the activity of the disease is essential.

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in systemic sclerosis: a challenging yet promising future

The etiology and pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis are still largely unknown, but a variety of humoral and cellular autoimmune phenomena have been documented. In addition, the rarity of the disease, the broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, and the relevant risk of severe complications as well as the highly variable disease course render its management a major challenge. Some immunomodulatory agents have been used, but no single agent has given a convincing proof of effectiveness, and treatment has remained largely symptomatic through recent years. Novel therapies are currently being tested and may have the potential of modifying the disease process and overall clinical outcome. Efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in different regimens (1-2 g/kg of body weight, administered over 2-5 consecutive days) has been described in a limited number of trials and small case series, showing benefits in skin, articular, and lung interstitial disease symptoms. However, studies on IVIG in systemic sclerosis still remain few, and further randomized controlled trials should be undertaken to assess their clinical effectiveness or define the optimal dosage and times of administration.

Scleroderma and pulmonary hypertension complicating two pregnancies: use of neuraxial anesthesia, general anesthesia, epoprostenol and a multidisciplinary approach for cesarean delivery

Literature regarding the anesthetic care of patients with scleroderma during labor and delivery is limited to remote case reports. No recent publications provide information on the anesthetic management of patients with coexisting pulmonary hypertension. This report describes the anesthetic and multidisciplinary management of two pregnant patients with concomitant scleroderma and pulmonary hypertension undergoing cesarean delivery; one with neuraxial anesthesia and one with general anesthesia. Considerations for neuraxial and general anesthesia in patients with concurrent scleroderma and pulmonary hypertension are discussed.

State of the art: Reproduction and pregnancy in rheumatic diseases

Throughout the last decade, increasing awareness has been raised on issues related to reproduction in rheumatic diseases including basic research to clarify the important role of estrogens in the etiology and pathophysiology of immune/inflammatory diseases. Sub- or infertility is a heterogeneous condition that can be related to immunological mechanisms, to pregnancy loss, to disease burden, to therapy, and to choices in regard to family size. Progress in reproductive medicine has made it possible for more patients with rheumatic disease to have children. Active disease in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects their children's birth weight and may have long-term effects on their future health status. Pregnancy complications as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are still increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), however, biomarkers can monitor adverse events, and several new therapies may improve outcomes. Pregnancies in women with APS remain a challenge, and better therapies for the obstetric APS are needed. New prospective studies indicate improved outcomes for pregnancies in women with rare diseases like systemic sclerosis and vasculitis. TNF inhibitors hold promise for maintaining remission in rheumatological patients and may be continued at least in the first half of pregnancy. Pre-conceptional counseling and interdisciplinary management of pregnancies are essential for ensuring optimal pregnancy outcomes.

Pregnancy in women with primary biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) may present in all decades of life, also in childbearing age. Data on maternal and fetal outcome is limited. We aimed to investigate the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on the disease course and possible effects of PBC on fetal outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective study of local cases and a compact review of published reports between 1950 and 2014.

RESULTS

Our cases along with literature review provided 98 pregnancies in 72 PBC patients. PBC was diagnosed during pregnancy in 26 (36%) patients and 46 (64%) had the diagnosis before conception. Twenty-four (30%) of the pregnancies were associated with biochemical flares and 55 (70%) with clinical improvement or stabilization. De novo onset or worsening of pruritus was seen in 49% (45/92). No maternal deaths were reported. Post-partum disease activation was observed in 60% (53/88). One patient was referred for liver transplantation after delivery. A miscarriage rate of 24% and three stillbirths were reported. Most patients were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) during breastfeeding and 12 patients also received UDCA during the first trimester without any identified side effects.

CONCLUSION

Most women with PBC maintain a stable disease during pregnancy, but post-partum biochemical flares are common. Symptomatic pruritus may be challenging in pregnant PBC patients. UDCA appears to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A successful pregnancy outcome is a realistic expectation for women with PBC.

Diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment of myositis: recent advances

Dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), necrotizing myopathy (NM) and inclusion body myositis (IBM) are four distinct subtypes of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies - in short myositis. Recent studies have shed some light on the unique pathogenesis of each entity. Some of the clinical features are distinct, but muscle biopsy is indispensable for making a reliable diagnosis. The use of magnetic resonance imaging of skeletal muscles and detection of myositis-specific autoantibodies have become useful additions to our diagnostic repertoire. Only few controlled trials are available to substantiate current treatment approaches for myositis and hopes are high that novel modalities will become available within the next few years. In this review we provide an up-to-date overview of the pathogenesis and diagnostic approach of myositis. We aim to present a guide towards therapeutic and general management.

Everything is autoimmune until proven otherwise

It is astounding to consider that virtually, every textbook of physiology in every medical school in the world does not include a chapter on immunology. On the other hand, virtually, in every textbook in internal medicine, immunology and immune response overlaps with every tissue and every organ. Indeed, historically, the concept of the immune response was recognized primarily in the setting of allergy and/or anaphylaxis. Indeed, the very concepts of infection, microbiology and host protection are relatively new sciences. In fact, it was little more than 100 years ago when washing hands became what is now coined "standard of care." How different it is in 2013, where one finds Handi Wipes for shoppers to use at grocery stores to protect themselves from the flora on shopping cart handles. Autoimmunity is even a newer concept without going into the well-known history of Paul Ehrlich and hemolytic anemias, the LE cell, and the beginning field of serology (and rheumatoid factor discovery). It is apparent that our understanding of autoimmunity has become linked hand-in-glove with new tools and investigational probes into serology and, more recently, the cellular immune response. With such discoveries, a number of key observations stand out. Firstly, there are a great deal more autoantibodies than there are autoimmune diseases. Second, there are a great deal more of autoimmune diseases than was believed in 1963 on the occasion of the publication of the first textbook of autoimmune diseases. Third, autoimmune diseases are, for the most part, orphan diseases, with many entities afflicting too few patients to excite the financial limb of pharmaceutical companies. In this special issue, we have grouped a number of papers, many of which were presented at the recent Congress of Autoimmunity that focus on issues that are not commonly discussed in autoimmunity. It reminds us that due to the ubiquitous nature of the innate and adaptive response, that there are a large number of diseases that have either an inflammatory and/or specific autoimmune response, we have to keep an open eye because everything is potentially autoimmune until proven otherwise.

Newborns whose mother has autoimmune disease. A community hospitals' experience

Mothers with autoimmune diseases (AID) may have exacerbations of their disease during pregnancy and postpartum period, with fetal implications and neonatal complications. The aim of this study was to describe miscarriages during pregnancy and postpartum problems among mothers with AID and associated neonatal pathology. Retrospective data was recorded from 2004 to 2010. 29 mothers with AID were analyzed, 65% of whom had lupus erythematosus (SLE). There were 52 pregnancies, which resulted in 39 newborns. There were 10 instances of maternal complications (25.6%) during the pregnancies, including 1 with digital vasculitis, 1 with pancreatitis, 1 outbreak of glomerulonephritis, 1 case of gestational diabetes, 2 patients at risk for preterm birth, 3 with preeclampsia and 1 with eclampsia. During the postpartum period, there was one case of SLE exacerbation. Among the newborns 20.5% had low birth weight and 4 exhibited the transplacental passage of maternal antibodies with one case of neonatal lupus. Among complications beyond the neonatal period, 8 (20.5%) children developed asthma, one presented negative ANA oligoarthritis and another presented immune thrombocytopenic purpura. In our hospital, the rates of miscarriage, prematurity and LBW among the newborns of mothers with AID are similar to those reported in the literature. The observation of a case of NL with the transplacental passage of anti-Sm is remarkable.