Background/Purpose: Systemic autoimmune
disorders may interfere with normal reproductive function resulting in negative
outcome of pregnancy. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a common rheumatic
disease that mostly effects females. There are many reports that this condition
may increase risk pregnancy complications and fetal loss. However, data
regarding these adverse outcomes are scarce and inconclusive. We performed a systematic
review and meta-analysis of available articles that assess association between
pSS and adverse
pregnancy outcome.

Methods: We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and
EMBASE from their dates of inception to June 2015 and reviewed papers with
validity criteria. Random-effects model were used to evaluate pregnancy
complications in patients with pSS and healthy control.

Results: From 20 full-text articles, 7 studies involving 544 patients and 1586 pregnancies were included in the meta-analysis.
Fetal complications included spontaneous abortion,
stillbirth, neonatal deaths, and intrauterine growth retardation. Compared with healthy
pregnancy, patients with pSS had significantly higher chance of neonatal deaths
(pooled OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.28 to 1.46, p=0.01). However, there were no
significant association between pSS and premature birth (OR=2.10, 95%CI
0.59-7.46, p=0.25), spontaneous abortion (OR=1.46, 95%CI 0.72-2.93, p=0.29),
artificial abortion (OR=1.12, 95%CI 0.52-2.61, p=0.71), and still-birth
(OR=1.05, 95%CI 0.38-2.97, p=0.92).

Conclusion: There is an increased risk of fetal loss in pregnant
patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome. The presented evidence further
supports multidisciplinary care for these patients to prevent complications
during pregnancy.