Rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy ‘can lead to chronic disease in children’

Mothers with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of giving birth to children who later go on to develop chronic diseases, new research has shown.

The Odense University Hospital-led study has indicated that the chances of being diagnosed with several diseases in childhood and adolescence – including thyroid disease, epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis – increased in cases where the mother was affected by arthritis during their gestation.

Analysing data from all children born in Denmark during a 25-year period, it was found that the presence of rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy was linked with a 2.2 times greater risk of thyroid disease, a 1.6-fold increased likelihood of epilepsy and a 2.9 times higher prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in offspring.

The researchers concluded that this data should be used to increase awareness of this potential risk among paediatricians and GPs.

Lead investigator Line Jolving of Odense University Hospital said: "Our results call for special attention on child development of rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease and epilepsy if exposed to rheumatoid arthritis in utero."

With over 20 years of experience within the science market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current science roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.