WOMEN with systemic sclerosis (SSc) face increased risks at pregnancy and a greater likelihood of reproductive hormone imbalances and sexual dysfunction, a new systematic review and meta-analysis has found.1
Greater Prevalence of Adverse Reproductive Health Outcomes
Whilst emerging studies have begun to address reproductive health challenges in women with SSc, research remains limited and unsynthesised.2
The meta-analysis included a total of 27 studies.1
Women with SSc had higher levels of prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and oestradiol and lower levels of testosterone, compared with healthy controls.
Patients with SSc were also at a higher risk of caesarean section, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and preterm birth.
Further, they also experienced lower total sexual function scores and a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction.
SSc and Reproductive Health
SSc is a rare chronic autoimmune disease and women with the condition often face reproductive challenges.
It is characterised by immune dysregulation, vascular impairment, and progressive fibrosis.3
Previous evidence has established that around 50% of patients are diagnosed during their reproductive years.4
Challenges can also arise from SSc therapeutics.
For example, in patients with SSc, researchers noted, pregnancy is influenced by the disease itself but also by the use of immunosuppressants and the extent to which organs are affected by the disease.3
Implications for Clinical Care
Researchers pointed to the need for greater clinical awareness and targeted, standardised interventions for women with SSc.1
They also called for the integration of reproductive health management in SSc care.
References
1 Liu et al. Systemic sclerosis and female reproductive health over lifespan: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Autoimmun. 2026;DOI:10.1016/j.jaut.2026.103565.
2 Ingegnoli F et al. Update on the epidemiology, risk factors, and disease outcomes of systemic sclerosis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2018;32(2):223–240.
3 Ren H et al. Further insight into systemic sclerosis from the vasculopathy perspective. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023;DOI:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115282.
4 Glasier A et al. Sexual and reproductive health: a matter of life and death. Lancet. 2006;368(9547):1595–1607.
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