title: Fertility, Pregnancy, and Lactation in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
abstract: Fertility is impaired in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), whereas less is known about male fertility problems. Pregnancy outcome in patients with RA is slightly less favorable compared with the general population, especially in patients with active disease. Disease activity usually improves during pregnancy, but less than previously thought. Although several antirheumatic drugs are contraindicated in pregnancy, more treatment options are available. There is evidence on the safety of TNF inhibitors in pregnancy. Given the impact of active disease on fertility and pregnancy outcome, a treat-to-target strategy is recommended for patients who are pregnant or have a wish to conceive.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Postbus 2040, Rotterdam 3000 CA, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Pascal H P
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: de Jong
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Postbus 2040, Rotterdam 3000 CA, The Netherlands. Electronic address: r.dolhain@erasmusmc.nl.
authors.forename: Radboud J E M
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Dolhain
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007774:Lactation; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids
keywords: Disease activity; Fertility; Lactation; Pregnancy; Rheumatoid arthritis