Pregnancy in adult-onset dermatomyositis/polymyositis: A systematic review

Background Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) in pregnancy is uncommon but may result in complications for both mother and the fetus. Aim In this systematic review, we summarized the current literature investigating outcomes of pregnancy related to the dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM) process. Content We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases and included 61 studies reporting the disease course, pregnancy outcomes, and management of both pregnancy and DM/PM in the final analysis.The specific information of 221 pregnancies was extracted and these pregnancies were divided into three distinct forms: pregnancies after disease onset (n = 159), pregnancies with new disease onset (n = 37), and pregnancies followed by postpartum onset (n = 25). In most cases, DM/PM disease activity remained stable or improved throughout pregnancy (80.2%) and the postpartum period (83.9%). Active DM/PM during pregnancy significantly increased the risk of stillbirth or neonatal death (12% vs. 1%, P = .005) and preterm birth (34.7% vs. 11%, P < .001). The rates of other poor outcomes (total fetal loss, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth retardation) were also increased in pregnancies with active disease. Mainstay treatments for active DM/PM during pregnancy are glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobins. Implications The present results underline the importance of good control of myopathy in optimizing the pregnancy outcomes of women with DM/PM.

Automated summary

In this systematic review, the authors investigated the outcomes of pregnancy related to dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM) and found that in most cases, the disease remained stable or improved throughout pregnancy. However, active DM/PM during pregnancy increased the risk of stillbirth or neonatal death, preterm birth, and other poor outcomes. The mainstay treatments for active DM/PM during pregnancy are glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulins.