Importance of Reproductive Health Issues to Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease
The reproductive health of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD) is a huge concern for rheumatologists.
RMD impacts a variety of aspects of reproductive health such as contraception, fertility, pregnancy, lactation, and the child’s health. Recent developments have been highlighting the importance of reproductive health with patients suffering from RMD.
Recently, the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) posted some recommendations regarding reproductive health issues in patients with RMD like systemic lupus erymathosus and others.
Both the EULAR and the British Society for Rheumatology/British Health Professionals in Rheumatology address the use of certain drugs before, during, and after RMD pregnancy.
In the series of columns, we have posted the various concrens about reproductive health issues as well as drug use during thee pregnancy of RMD patients and a key consideration here is the care for these persons that should be tailored-fit to the condition.
As rheumatologists, it is our task to take a look at available pieces of evidence when looking for the right treatment for the patient. It is a challenge for health professionals to treat patients who are pregnant with pre-existing and severe organ damage.
Other possible complications that may arise which include: severe renal problems, cardiomyopathy, or valvular dysfunction.
It is possible for severe autoimmune disease flare to happen during pregnancy—including diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, active nephritis or vasculitis, or central nervous system inflammation.
A doctor’s decision regarding the ending of pregnancy in relation to the impact of teratogenic drug exposure depends on the kind of drug being used, timing of exposure, and the patient’s assessment of her condition.
Unplanned pregnancies happen almost half of the time, at least in the United States, according to available data. There is much risk for RMD patients who end up with unplanned pregnancy.
Before getting pregnant, women with RMD should understand the risks and what compatible drugs to take. The experts can help the woman determine the right action to take as long as the pregnancy is well planned to ensure better management.
The key here is proper management and planning when it comes to women who are pregnant and who, at the same time, are suffering from RMD.
After several weeks of discussing reproductive health issues tor women with RMD, this corner hopes that the general public now has a working idea on how to carefully manage the situation and preserve both maternal and fetal health.