Obstetric complications in Marfan syndrome

Int J Cardiol. 2006 Jun 7;110(1):53-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2005.07.017. Epub 2005 Oct 19.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the obstetric maternal and neonatal outcome of pregnancy in women with Marfan syndrome.

Methods: Retrospective observational multi-center study based on congenital heart disease registry.

Results: Sixty-three of the 122 enrolled women with Marfan syndrome had been pregnant 142 times (including 111 pregnancies>20 weeks, 28 (20%) miscarriages and 3 elective abortions). In 40% of all completed pregnancies an obstetric and/ or neonatal complication occurred. The most important complications were an increased percentage of premature deliveries (n=17, 15%) mainly due to preterm premature rupture of membranes and cervical incompetence and a markedly increased combined fetal and neonatal mortality of 7.1%. An obstetric and/or neonatal complication occurred in a similar proportion of pregnancies in women with a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome before pregnancy versus women with a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome after pregnancy (39% vs. 41%, p=0.85, respectively).

Conclusion: In addition to cardiovascular complications, pregnancy in women with Marfan syndrome is associated with a high rate of premature deliveries, preterm premature rupture of membranes and increased mortality in the offspring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / etiology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Marfan Syndrome / complications*
  • Marfan Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal