Management of osteogenesis imperfecta type I in pregnancy; a review of literature applied to clinical practice

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare heritable heterogenous disorder characterized by bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures with a wide spectrum of clinical expression due to defects in collagen type I biosynthesis. The purpose of the review is to highlight the practical norms in pregnancies with osteogenesis imperfecta. We carried out a literature review in MEDLINE on OI during pregnancy, focusing on diagnosis, therapy and delivery. We reviewed 28 articles (case reports, original articles and reviews). Pregnant women affected by type I OI should be closely monitored to assess fetal well-being and detect pregnancy-related complications associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis, restrictive pulmonary disease, cephalopelvic disproportion and other problems related to connective tissue disorders. Mode of delivery remains controversial and should be determined on an individual basis. In conclusion, women affected by type I OI represent a subset of patients whose pregnancies should be considered high risk and warrant a multidisciplinary approach in a referral center.