The Parallels Between Psoriasis and Fertility: A Closer Look at Trends and Pregnancy Outcomes

Original Article: Fertility Trends and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Female Patients with Psoriasis in the UK

What are the key takeaways of this article?

A recently published study provides a comprehensive analysis on the intricate relationship between psoriasis, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes, supported by compelling quantitative evidence. This research highlights a surprising disparity in fertility rates between women with psoriasis and the general population. This UK-based study conducted a retrospective analysis on data from national health records of women aged 18-45 years, between 2000 and 2022.

A detailed evaluation exposed a 15% decrease in fertility rates amongst women with psoriasis, a significant and unexpected discovery. Further, the study draws a statistically significant correlation between psoriasis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women with psoriasis are faced with a 21% higher risk of miscarriages, a 16% increase in preterm births, and an 18% rise in low-birth-weight babies compared to their non-affected counterparts. These risks are notably amplified in women diagnosed with severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, signifying an urgency to comprehend and address these challenges.

The research also suggests a complex interplay between inflammation, immune response, and reproductive health. It highlights an increased need for early pregnancy care and close monitoring in psoriasis patients due to an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, particularly in the first trimester.

The evidence from this study suggests the necessity for an integrated approach involving dermatologists, gynecologists, and obstetricians to optimize the reproductive health of women with psoriasis. It urges for preconception counseling, risk assessment, and personalized treatment planning to mitigate potential complications in this patient group.

This study not only amplifies the recognition of psoriasis as a systemic condition affecting a woman's reproductive health but also advocates for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach in managing women with psoriasis who are of reproductive age or pregnant. It paves the way for further exploration into the role of chronic inflammatory diseases in reproductive health and fertility, calling on healthcare professionals to integrate this knowledge into their clinical practice. Overall, this study is a major stepping stone to fostering a more comprehensive care approach for female patients with psoriasis.

Publication Date: August 19th, 2023

Reference: Chen T, Iskandar IYK, Parisi R, et al. Fertility Trends and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Female Patients With Psoriasis in the UK. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159(7):736–744. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.1400

Summary By: : Parsa Abdi