Pregnancy complicated by allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND

Whether allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) affects maternal and perinatal outcomes during pregnancy or vice versa is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the course of ABPA and its consequence on maternal and perinatal outcomes during pregnancy.

METHODS

We retrospectively included pregnant women with ABPA (cases) and compared them with non-pregnant ABPA subjects (controls). We recorded the following details in cases and controls: demographical characteristics, radiological findings, pulmonary function, duration of symptoms and the number of asthma and ABPA exacerbations during follow-up. We also recorded the maternal and perinatal outcomes in the cases.

RESULTS

We included nine cases and 38 controls with a similar age range. All the cases had achieved remission of ABPA before pregnancy and were receiving inhaled medications for asthma control. Serum total IgE levels, the extent of bronchiectasis on CT thorax and pulmonary function were comparable in the two groups. The mean number of asthma (53 vs 7) and ABPA (62 vs 16) exacerbations per 100 person-years was significantly higher in cases compared to the controls. We did not observe any maternal complications. One neonate had low birthweight.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of asthma and ABPA exacerbations is significantly higher in pregnant subjects with ABPA than non-pregnant women with ABPA. However, maternal and perinatal outcomes are good.