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ABSTRACT: Objective
Limited data exist on the effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on maternal postpartum outcomes. Using a real-world, electronic health record (EHR) cohort, we assessed maternal postpartum outcomes in RA.Methods
In a large, de-identified EHR, we identified possible RA deliveries using ≥1 delivery ICD-9 or ICD-10-CM codes and a validated RA algorithm. RA cases were required to be diagnosed by a rheumatologist on chart review. Maternal postpartum outcomes included rates of blood transfusion, rates of infection up to 6 weeks postpartum defined by a clinician, and length of hospital stay. We also identified deliveries to women without autoimmune diseases.Results
We identified 202 deliveries occurring after RA diagnosis and 596 deliveries to controls without autoimmune diseases. Postpartum infection rates were similar among RA patients and controls (8% vs. 4%, p = 0.10), as were red blood cell transfusion rates (2% vs. 2%, p = 1.00). RA case status was not significantly associated with postpartum infection (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 0.88 - 4.98, p = 0.09) but was significantly associated with preterm birth (OR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.38 - 3.23, p = 0.001). Corticosteroid use during pregnancy was common at 41%, while tumor necrosis factor inhibitor use was 13%. After adjusting for age at delivery and race, corticosteroid use at delivery was not associated with postpartum maternal infections but was associated with a significantly lower birthweight in RA cases.Conclusion
Women with RA have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly preterm birth. Our study highlights, however, that maternal postpartum outcomes such as postpartum infection and blood transfusion are not significantly increased in RA patients.
SUBMITTER: Tarplin S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8960024 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Tarplin Sarah S Hubbard Janie J Green Sarah S Whitney Raeann R Wheless Lee L Barnado April A
Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism 20220202
<h4>Objective</h4>Limited data exist on the effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on maternal postpartum outcomes. Using a real-world, electronic health record (EHR) cohort, we assessed maternal postpartum outcomes in RA.<h4>Methods</h4>In a large, de-identified EHR, we identified possible RA deliveries using ≥1 delivery ICD-9 or ICD-10-CM codes and a validated RA algorithm. RA cases were required to be diagnosed by a rheumatologist on chart review. Maternal postpartum outcomes included rates of b ...[more]