INVC,,
Delhi,,
Pregnancy is not contraindicated in most women with diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease) said Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India. Maternal and peri- birth outcomes are generally good with tight control of sugar and blood pressure. Although mortality is low, maternal and neonatal morbidity are increased compared to non-diabetics and diabetic women without nephropathy. The major obstetrical complications are preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and preterm birth.
Pre-conceptional treatment with drugs like angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists in women with microalbuminuria may have benefits that extend through the pregnancy. These agents should not be used during pregnancy as they are teratogenic.
Pregnancy does not appear to accelerate the progression of diabetic nephropathy in women with a mild to moderate decline in renal function.
Women with moderate to severe renal impairment (serum creatinine level >1.5 mg/dL, proteinuria >3g in 24 hours) may benefit from renal transplantation or dialysis therapy before initiating pregnancy.
