Reproductive Rheumatology

The research line “Reproductive Rheumatology” focusses on the impact of rheumatic diseases on sexuality, fertility and pregnancy outcome of both male and female patients with a rheumatic disease. In addition, the influence of pregnancy on disease activity of rheumatic diseases is studied.

The PARA cohort, a nationwide prospective cohort study with inclusion of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients between 2001-2010 was the first project of this research group. Women with RA either pregnant or with a wish to conceive were visited at their home address. In total, over 400 women were included and 235 children were born in this study. This study facilitated 5 successful PhD projects.

Initially, the main focus was on women with RA. In recent years our focus has broadened to other rheumatic diseases and male patients. Our current projects are the PreCARA cohort, a nationwide prospective cohort study on treatment strategies for rheumatic diseases during pregnancy and the iFAME study, a study on the impact of rheumatic diseases on male fertility.

From patients participating in cohorts mentioned above, blood and other samples are collected and stored, resulting in an extensive Reproductive Rheumatology Bank with thousands of valuable samples. Our bank contains amongst other things patient serum, plasma, DNA, urine and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). For more information on stored patient material and potential collaborations, please contact us.

Is methotrexate safe for men with an immune-mediated inflammatory disease and an active desire to become a father? Results of a prospective cohort study (iFAME-MTX).
Perez-Garcia LF et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2023 Aug;82(8):1068-1075

Tumour necrosis factor inhibitor use during pregnancy is associated with increased birth weight of rheumatoid arthritis patients' offspring
Smeele H et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases Sept 2022

Impaired fertility in men diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis: results of a large multicentre study (iFAME-Fertility)
Perez-Garcia LF et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (bmj.com)

Modern treatment approach results in low disease activity in 90% of pregnant rheumatoid arthritis patients: the PreCARA study
Smeele HTW et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (bmj.com)

ACPA IgG galactosylation associates with disease activity in pregnant patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Bondt A et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018 Aug;77(8):1130-1136

Altered DNA methylation in children born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy
Ince-Askan H et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2019;78:1198-1204

Fertility in women with rheumatoid arthritis: influence of disease activity and medication
Brouwer J et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2015;74:1836-1841

Rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy and postnatal catch-up growth in the offspring.
de Steenwinkel FD et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014 Jul;66(7):1705-11

Association of higher rheumatoid arthritis disease activity during pregnancy with lower birth weight: results of a national prospective study.
de Man YA et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2009 Nov;60(11):3196-206

Disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy: results from a nationwide prospective study.
de Man YA et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Sep 15;59(9):1241-8

Research Centre of Excellence (RCE) "Reumabehandeling bij kinderwens en zwangerschap"
ReumaNederland Award dr. Radboud Dolhain

Prof. Radboud Dolhain, MD PhD

Laura Kranenburg - van Koppen, MD PhD

Luis Perez, MD, PhD

Esther Röder, PhD

Lydia Witte - Quaak, MD

Tania Vargas Aguirre 

Hetty Wintjes

Anneke van Steensel - Boon

Els Berenschot