[The complications of systemic sclerosis in pregnancy - diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties]

Abstract

In the course of scleroderma numerous complications may occur caused by the endothelial vessel changes and organs' fibrosis. Pregnancy itself is associated with increased immunization caused by the microchimerism phenomenon. Pregnancy may be associated with increased dyspnea, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), renal complications and mother pre-eclampsia. In turn, the most common disorders of the fetus include low birth weight, premature delivery and heart block. The occurrence of organ complications in the mother needs urgent gynecological and rheumatologic care, which often requires the consultation of pulmonologist, cardiologist, nephrologists and gastroenterologist. In case of the development of fetal abnormalities neonatal care is needed. Considering the possible complications of mother and child in the course of scleroderma, pregnancy should be planned in the most optimal time and its course should be monitor, what increases the safety and positive outcome for mother and fetus. In case of complications, early interdisciplinary intervention prevents their development and reduces the risk of serious and prolonged health consequences for both mother and child.

Keywords: complications in pregnancy; systemic sclerosis; the risk to the fetus.