Table 1

Patient characteristics

n = 147

Age at delivery in years, mean (SD)

32.4 (3.8)

Disease duration in years, median (range)

5.5 (0.1-28.4)

Gestational age at delivery in weeks, mean (SD)

39.3 (1.9)

Anti-CCP positive, n (%)

87 (59.2)

Rheumatoid factor (IgM) positive, n (%)

110 (74.8)

Presence of erosions, n (%)

105 (71.4)

Number of DMARDs before conception, median (range)

2 (0-6)

Breastfeeding (6 weeks postpartum), n (%)

60 (40.8)

DAS28-CRP3 ≥3.2 in first trimester, n (%)^a

71 (61.7)

Moderate/good response during pregnancy, n (%)^b

32 (45.1)

Very early flare, N (%)^c

29 (21.5)

Early flare, n (%)^d

29 (22.0)

Late flare, n (%)^e

37 (30.1)

^aIn 115 patients, DAS28 in the first trimester was available. ^bAccording to EULAR response criteria, DAS28 ≥3.2 in the first trimester is required. Data were available in ^c135 , ^d132, and ^e123 patients, respectively, according to reversed EULAR response criteria. Very early flare, deterioration between the visit at the third trimester and at 6 weeks postpartum; early flare, deterioration between visits at 6 weeks and at 3 months postpartum; late flare, deterioration between visits at 6 weeks and at 6 months postpartum; anti-CCP, anti-cyclic citrullinated protein. DMARDs, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including prednisone.

Quax et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2012 14:R183   doi:10.1186/ar4014