Maternal autoimmune disease and birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study

ConclusionOur findings suggest maternal autoimmune disease and treatment are not associated with the majority of birth defects, but may be associated with some defects, particularly encephalocele. Given the low prevalence of individual autoimmune diseases and the rare use of specific medications, we were unable to examine associations of specific autoimmune diseases and medications with birth defects. Other studies are needed to confirm these findings. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:950–962, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Source: Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology - November 27, 2016 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Meredith M. Howley, Marilyn L. Browne, Alissa R. Van Zutphen, Sandra D. Richardson, Sarah J. Blossom, Cheryl S. Broussard, Suzan L. Carmichael, Charlotte M. Druschel, Tags: Research Article Source Type: research