[Pregnancy in chronic hemodialysis]

[Pregnancy in patients on chronic haemodialysis: about 25 cases which occurred in the south of Tunisia]

INTRODUCTION

the occurrence of pregnancy in patients on chronic haemodialysis is rare. However, given the evolution in dialysis technique, improvement in fertility is possible. The purpose of our study was to report our experience concerning the occurrence of pregnancy in patients on dialysis and to identify factors involved in its success.

METHODS

we conducted a retrospective study on 25 spontaneous pregnancies occurred in 19 patients treated with periodical hemodialysis in different hemodialysis centers in the south of Tunisia over a period of 34 years.

RESULTS

maternal age at the onset of pregnancy was, on average, 35.6 years [23-44 years] with an average seniority in hemodialysis of 4.22 years [1-17 years]. Seven patients (37%) had residual diuresis (>500 ml/24h). The prescribed weekly number of hours of dialysis was ≥16 hours per week in 7 cases and ≥20 hours in 4 cases. Success of pregnancy (new-born surviving at least 28 days) was estimated at 56%. The median gestational age was 34 weeks of amenorrhea [28-38 WA]. The average neonatal weight was equal to 1970g [1500g-2300g]. Analytical study showed a significant correlation between the increase in the hours of dialysis per week and the success of pregnancy (R=0.59; p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

it was noted that with adequate support and in particular, increasing the number of sessions of dialysis, materno-fetal complications can be minimized and the balance risk-benefit can turn the chance for a woman on dyalisis to become pregnant.