Effects of pregnancy on the renal and pulmonary manifestations in women with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Abstract

To determine whether pregnancy increases the risk of renal or pulmonary complications in women with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). We surveyed female members of the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance and reviewed the files of adult women seen in our genetics clinics for complications of TSC. Among 145 individuals, there was no significant difference in incidence of renal and pulmonary involvement between the pregnant and never-pregnant groups, although there were differences in age at diagnosis (25 vs. 16) and current age (41 vs. 35). There was no significant difference in the rate of renal complications (57% vs. 67%, P = 0.62) or pneumothorax (40% vs. 38%, P = 1.00) for the pregnant and never-pregnant groups, respectively. Pregnancy loss in women with TSC did not differ from population risks. Pregnancy does not increase the risk of developing renal or pulmonary complications in women with TSC.