Pregnancy complications and delivery practice in women with connective tissue disease and inflammatory rheumatic disease in Norway

Objective. To assess possible associations between inflammatory rheumatic d isease and pregnancy complications/delivery practice. Methods. In a population based study proportions were compared of obstetric al complications and interventions at delivery notified to the Medical Birt h Registry of Norway during the years 1967-95 in women with (3,403) and wit hout (671,221) rheumatic disease. Results. Women with rheumatic disease had significantly higher rates of pre eclampsia and cesarean section. The relative risk of preeclampsia was parti cularly high in women with connective tissue disease in the years 1977-86. In women with inflammatory arthritides,the relative risk of preeclampsia wa s particularly high during 1987-95. The relative risk of cesarean section w as high in all patient groups throughout the observation period and particu larly in women with connective tissue disease. Conclusion. High rates of preeclampsia and cesarean section in connective t issue disease pregnancies documented in a population based study emphasize the importance of monitoring and obstetrical interventions.