Pregnancy and CKD: Advances in Care and the Legacy of Dr Susan Hou

Dr Susan Hou began her illustrious nephrology career at a time when pregnancy in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was hazardous and actively discouraged. Her pioneering research in women's health provided much of the early outcome data that shaped our current understanding of CKD and pregnancy. Although many uncertainties regarding optimal management of this vulnerable patient group remain, recent decades have witnessed important advances and renewed interest in improving care for pregnant women with CKD. Many nephrologists have been inspired by Dr Hou's lifetime of work and are grateful for her generous collaborations. In this In Practice Review, we honor her legacy by providing an update of current literature and clinical management guidance in the context of a clinical case vignette that challenges us to consider the many complex aspects to the counseling and care of women with CKD who desire a pregnancy.

Automated summary

Dr. Susan Hou's pioneering research in women's health provided early outcome data that shaped our current understanding of CKD and pregnancy. Despite many uncertainties, recent decades have seen important advances and renewed interest in improving care for pregnant women with CKD. Nephrologists have been inspired by Dr. Hou's lifetime of work and generous collaborations.