Pregnancy issues in Takayasu arteritis

Abstract

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a chronic inflammatory vasculitis of unknown origin affecting large vessels, predominantly the aorta and its main branches. TAK usually affects young women and the management of pregnancy during this vasculitis may be a challenging situation. After a review of the literature, we analysed the data of 505 pregnancies in 373 TAK patients. We discuss main results to clarify if the pregnancy outcome is affected by TAK, especially during disease clinical onset or disease activity. We also discuss the potential impact of pregnancy on TAK prognosis. Disease activity of TAK appears independently associated with a poor pregnancy outcome. More than 5% of pregnant women with TAK develop a life-threatening maternal cardiovascular complication. A good control of TAK disease activity and arterial hypertension before conception and during pregnancy is critical to improve both maternal and foetal outcomes. Pregnancies in the setting of TAK should be considered high-risk, requiring a close collaboration between specialists involved in the care of TAK and obstetricians.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Takayasu arteritis.