Risks to the children born to mothers with autoimmune diseases

This article reviews current information regarding the development and long-term effects on children born to women with connective tissue diseases. There are few data on specific effects attributed to the underlying maternal disease, but fetal growth restriction and preterm birth are relatively common. Antenatal use of prednisone as treatment for these disorders appears to be safe, and most children have developed normally. However, there is growing concern that prolonged fetal exposure to other glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone or betamethasone may lead to decreased growth and abnormal neuronal development. Low birth weight is reportedly associated with long-term medical complications such as adult-onset hypertension. Evidence also suggests that immunosuppressive agents taken during pregnancy might predispose the progeny to autoimmune disorders, malignancies and reproductive problems. Further research is warranted to determine that there are no unrecognized long-term risks to the offspring of these women.