Psoriasis in Pregnancy Elevates Risk of Maternal Preeclampsia and Cardiac Complications: Study

A recent study revealed that pregnant women with psoriasis face increased risks of adverse maternal outcomes, particularly preeclampsia and cardiac arrhythmias, during delivery. The research published in the JACC Advances journal highlighted the need for increased medical attention and monitoring for expectant mothers with this chronic skin condition.

The study utilized data from the National Inpatient Sample between 2011 and 2020 and analyzed over 37.4 million delivery-related hospitalizations in women aged 18 years and older. Out of these, 23,588 cases involved patients with psoriasis. By employing propensity score matching, this study was able to isolate the impact of psoriasis on maternal complications during delivery.

Pregnant women with psoriasis were 25% more likely to develop preeclampsia or eclampsia (Odds Ratio: 1.25; Confidence Interval: 1.08-1.43). These conditions are serious hypertensive disorders that can lead to life-threatening complications for both mother and baby. Also, psoriasis was also linked to a 44% higher likelihood of cardiac arrhythmias (Odds Ratio: 1.44; Confidence Interval: 1.08-1.93). 

Additional complications observed among psoriasis patients included acute kidney injury, pulmonary edema, and venous thromboembolism. The findings highlight the importance of specialized care for pregnant women with psoriasis. Physicians should closely monitor these patients for signs of cardiovascular issues and hypertensive disorders throughout pregnancy and delivery. Early detection and intervention can reduce the risks and ensure better maternal outcomes.

The study is among the first large-scale investigations to comprehensively assess the relationship between psoriasis and maternal cardiovascular complications during delivery. While the research sheds light on important associations, further studies are imperative to explore the underlying mechanisms driving these adverse outcomes.

Given that psoriasis is often perceived solely as a skin condition, this research serves as a reminder of its potential systemic implications, particularly in the context of pregnancy. Overall, expectant mothers with psoriasis are encouraged to discuss these findings with their physicians to ensure proactive management of their pregnancy.

Source:

Agrawal, A., Sorathia, S., Bhagat, U., Zahid, S., Arockiam, A. D., Bayat, A., Safdar, A., Rosenzveig, A., Majid, M., Chandna, S., Gupta, R., Weber, B., & Michos, E. D. (2025). Cardiovascular complications during delivery hospitalization in patients with psoriasis. JACC Advances, 4(2), 101562. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.101562