Glomerular diseases in pregnancy: pragmatic recommendations for clinical management

Our understanding of the various aspects of pregnancy in women with kidney diseases has significantly improved in the last decades. Nevertheless, little is known about specific kidney diseases. Glomerular diseases are not only a frequent cause of chronic kidney disease in young women, but combine many challenges in pregnancy: immunologic diseases, hypertension, proteinuria, and kidney tissue damage. An international working group undertook the review of available current literature and elicited expert opinions on glomerular diseases in pregnancy with the aim to provide pragmatic information for nephrologists according to the present state-of-the-art knowledge. This work also highlights areas of clinical uncertainty and emphasizes the need for further collaborative studies to improve maternal and fetal health.

Automated summary

Our understanding of pregnancy in women with kidney diseases has improved, but there is little knowledge about specific kidney diseases. Glomerular diseases are a common cause of chronic kidney disease in young women and pose challenges in pregnancy due to immunologic diseases, hypertension, proteinuria, and kidney tissue damage. A review of current literature and expert opinions on glomerular diseases in pregnancy was conducted, providing practical information for nephrologists. This work highlights areas of uncertainty and the need for further collaborative studies to improve maternal and fetal health.