Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Really Improve During Pregnancy? A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review and metaanalysis to assess rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity during pregnancy using objective disease activity scoring systems.

METHODS

A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE/Medline, Cochrane, and LactMed databases was performed. Our inclusion criteria for analysis were prospective studies, more than 5 patients per study, and data on RA using an objective scoring system conducted by a clinician/health professional.

RESULTS

Ten studies were eligible for final analysis, which included 237 patients, of which prepartum data were available for 204 patients. Postpartum disease activity was recorded in 135 pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

Disease activity improved in 60% of patients with RA in pregnancy and flared in 46.7% postpartum.