Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Really Improve During Pregnancy? A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review and metaanalysis to assess rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity during pregnancy using objective disease activity scoring systems. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE/Medline, Cochrane, and LactMed databases was performed. Our inclusion criteria for analysis were prospective studies, more than 5 patients per study, and data on RA using an objective scoring system conducted by a clinician/health professional. RESULTS: Ten studies were eligible for final analysis, which included 237 patients, of which prepartum data were available for 204 patients. Postpartum disease activity was recorded in 135 pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Disease activity improved in 60% of patients with RA in pregnancy and flared in 46.7% postpartum.