Retrospective evaluation of obstetric processes in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever's disease: The three years experience of a tertiary rheumatology clinic

Objectives

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disease affecting both genders in reproductive age. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between FMF and pregnancy on both maternal and fetal aspects.

Material and methods

In this retrospective, single-center, descriptive study we analysed total of 95 pregnancies of 40 FMF patients. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from patients’ records. To prevent recall bias, only the last pregnancy of each patient was evaluated for disease activity and use or revision of medications during pregnancy.

Results

The median age of the patients at diagnosis was 22 and the first pregnancy age was 26 years. The median duration of FMF at last pregnancy was 8 (0–23) years. Eight (20%) patients had at least 1 pregnancy via assisted reproductive techniques (IVF), while 34 (85%) patients had at least 1 spontaneous pregnancy. While 32 patients were in remission (80%) before pregnancy, 8 were clinically active (20%). Improvement in clinical course and attack frequency during pregnancy was observed in 23 patients (57.5%), stable course in 10 (25.0%), and worsening in 7 (17.5%). The rate of live birth was 70.0%, abortus was 28.9%, preterm labor was 8.1%, pre-eclampsia was 5.0%, and only 1 achondroplasia as congenital fetal abnormality was observed.

Conclusion

FMF did not constitute a contraindication for pregnancy. The most important obstetric problems, complications, and negative fetal outcomes in the course of pregnancy are increased IVF requirement, abortion, and cesarean rates. There is no increase in the risk of congenital malformations due to FMF itself or use of colchicine.