ACR Convergence 2025 Highlights New Insights into Pregnancy Outcomes and Maternal-Fetal Health in Rheumatic Diseases

CHICAGO – At ACR Convergence 2025, the American College of Rheumatology presents new research illuminating critical challenges and advances in pregnancy outcomes for women living with rheumatic diseases, including axial spondyloarthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, and lupus. These studies offer important insights into obstetric and neonatal risks, biomarkers predictive of fetal complications, and emerging therapies to improve maternal and fetal health.

Obstetric and Neonatal Complications in Axial Spondyloarthritis
A population-based matched cohort study (Abstract 2097008) examined pregnancy outcomes in women with axial spondyloarthritis. Findings revealed increased rates of certain obstetric complications compared to controls including severe maternal morbidity (SMM), underscoring the need for specialized monitoring and multidisciplinary care in this population to optimize pregnancy health and outcomes.

Predictive Biomarkers for Fetal Atrioventricular Block
Using advanced Olink proteomics analysis, another study (Abstract 2127811) identified macrophage pro-inflammatory proteins in maternal sera that predict fetal atrioventricular (AV) block independent of maternal health status. These novel biomarkers may enable earlier identification and intervention to prevent serious fetal cardiac complications, improving neonatal prognosis.

Certolizumab Pegol to Prevent Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Antiphospholipid Syndrome
An ongoing Phase 2 trial (IMPACT; Abstract 2129711) is evaluating certolizumab pegol, a biologic therapy, to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus anticoagulant. Preliminary recruitment results suggest this targeted therapy could substantially reduce pregnancy loss and complications, addressing a critical unmet need in this high-risk group.

“These studies reflect a vital commitment to improving reproductive health outcomes for women living with rheumatic diseases,” said Sinead Macguire MD, rheumatologist at Our Lady's Hospital Navan, Ireland and lead researcher on the Obstetric and Neonatal Complications in Women living with Axial Spondyloarthritis: a population-based, matched cohort study. “Understanding the complex interactions between maternal disease, biomarkers, and therapeutic options will drive safer pregnancies and healthier babies.”

Media Contact
Teri Arnold
Director, Public Relations & Communications
tarnold@rheumatology.org
757-272-7002

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About the American College of Rheumatology
Founded in 1934, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is a not-for-profit, professional association committed to advancing the specialty of rheumatology that serves over 10,000 physicians, health professionals, researchers and scientists worldwide. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatology professionals are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.

About ACR Convergence
ACR Convergence, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, is where rheumatology meets to collaborate, celebrate, congregate, and learn. With hundreds of sessions and thousands of abstracts, it offers a superior combination of basic science, clinical science, business education and interactive discussions to improve patient care and advance the specialty. For more information about the meeting, visit the ACR Convergence page, or join the conversation on X by following the official hashtag (#ACR25).