Autoimmune hepatitis among fertile women : strategies during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

• Objective. In published studies there is a lack of data about the risks, management and how women with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) decide on and are advised about pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate how women with AIH consider pregnancies, are advised and pharmacologically treated, as well as the outcome. Material and methods. A questionnaire was mailed to 128 women with AIH diagnosed during their fertile period and data from the Swedish National Birth Register was also used for matched controls. Results. There was an 83% response rate to the questionnaires. Sixty-three pregnancies were reported by 35 women. 48% did not consult their doctors before getting pregnant. More than half of the women reduced or stopped the immune suppression during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Some women were advised to abstain from pregnancy or even to have an abortion. Caesarean sections were performed more frequently in the AIH group (16% compared with 6.5% in the control group p<0.01).There were no significant differences in the number of stillborn infants or infants with malformations. However, 30% of the patients experienced flare-up after delivery. Conclusions. In general, the outcome of pregnancy in women with AIH seems to be good. Current pharmacological treatment appears to be safe, including azathioprine during pregnancy and lactation. After delivery an active preparedness to increase pharmacotherapy should be considered.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Gastroenterologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Gastroenterology and Hepatology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adult

Aged

Breast Feeding

Female

Fertility

Hepatitis; Autoimmune/*drug therapy

Humans

Middle Aged

Pregnancy

Questionnaires

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

outcome

autoimmune hepatitis

breastfeeding

pregnancy

pharmacotherapy

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)