14
September
2020
|
08:12 AM
America/New_York

Lisa Sammaritano, MD: Rheumatic Diseases, Pregnancy, and the Importance of Communication

HCP Live reports on a presentation by HSS rheumatologist Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD at the 2020 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology-East discussing the importance of rheumatologists and OB-GYNs communicating openly with one another and to patients with rheumatic disease who are considering pregnancy.

“Rheumatology patients have special concerns and risk with regard to pregnancy, and therefore it is very, very important that this be planned,” explained Dr. Sammaritano. Systemic lupus and antiphospholipid antibodies syndrome historically have posed the greatest risk for both the mother’s health and the outcome of the pregnancy. Dr. Sammaritano encouraged rheumatologists to inquire into their patients’ intentions, and to caution against inadvertent pregnancies. Furthermore, the ideal treatment and management scenario would be a level of synergy between both the rheumatologist and OB-GYN; both specialists must be attuned to patient conditions and pregnancy plans. “We may think of this as the domain of the OB-GYN. Of course, they know everything about pregnancy and contraception. But we know everything about lupus and other related diseases,” she said. “And really, it takes both of those knowledge bases to come up with the right solution for any given patient.”

Read the full article at HCPlive.com.