RT Journal
A1 Apter AJ, Greenberger PA, Patterson R
T1 OUtcomes of pregnancy in adolescents with severe asthma
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 1989
FD November 1
VO 149
IS 11
SP 2571
OP 2575
DO 10.1001/archinte.1989.00390110121027
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1989.00390110121027
AB • Asthma in adolescent pregnancies is not rare and may make patient management difficult, especially since mortality from asthma is of particular concern in the adolescent age group. We present a series of 21 pregnant adolescents with severe asthma. During 28 pregnancies, there were 56 exacerbations of asthma, including 22 hospitalizations and 20 emergency room visits. For 18 (64%) of the 28 pregnancies, outpatient systemic corticosteroids were administered, and inhaled corticosteroids were prescribed for 8 (29%). Factors associated with exacerbations included respiratory tract infections (59%) and noncompliance with medical regimens (27%). There were no maternal or fetal deaths or evidence for intrauterine growth retardation. Two infants were premature, with one experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome. Aggressive treatment of asthma and associated respiratory tract infections, as well as careful ambulatory care, to encourage patient compliance are advisable to achieve a favorable maternal-fetal outcome.(Arch Intern Med. 1989;149:2571-2575)