Neurofibromatosis in pregnancy: Maternal and perinatal outcome

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnant patients with neurofibromatosis (NF). Study design: During the period between January 1994 and December 1996 eight women with NF were delivered at the Soroka University Medical Center. Maternal age, parity, gravidy and ethnic origin were matched with a control group that included 65 healthy parturients out of a total of 31 642 deliveries that occurred in our institution during this period. Maternal outcome and perinatal complications were compared between the two groups. Results: The prevalence of NF during the study period was 1:2434 deliveries. The mean gestational age at delivery was significantly lower in the study group as compared to the control group, 36.8±3.3 vs. 39.2±1.5 weeks, respectively (P=0.029). The rate of intrauterine growth restriction was significantly higher in the study group, (46.2% vs. 8.95%, respectively, P=0.0005), as well as stillbirth rate (23% vs. 1.5%, respectively, P=0.011) and cesarean section rate (38.5% vs. 7.7%, respectively, P=0.01). Conclusion: Patients with NF have an increased risk of perinatal complications. Thus, close antenatal observation at high risk tertiary centers is required. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.