Outcomes in Children Born to Women with Rheumatic Diseases

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most prevalent autoimmune rheumatic diseases, predominantly occurring in women during childbearing years. Research has focused on assessing the risk of immediate complications during SLE and RA pregnancies, with studies documenting a higher risk of adverse obstetric outcomes, such as preterm births and infants small for gestational age. Until recently, little was known regarding the long-term health of children born to affected women. We present a review of the current evidence regarding the risk of adverse health outcomes in SLE and RA offspring, and potential mechanisms involved in their pathogenesis.