Behcet's syndrome and pregnancy: course of the disease and pregnancy outcome

Objective. To review the current available literature on the mutual effect of pregnancy or contraceptives and Behcet's disease (BD) in order to guide our patients more wisely before they take contraceptives or decide to conceive. Methods. We performed a systematic review of the literature regarding the above issues using PubMed, Cochrane and EMBase databases. Results. We have found 21 case reports and 11 series dealing with the mutual effect of pregnancy or contraceptives and Behcet's disease and 5 case reports dealing with BD and contraceptives. In most cases the course of BD was ameliorated or unchanged during pregnancy. The outcome of pregnancy in BD patients was poorer than that in healthy individuals. Contraceptives have various effects on the course of BD. Conclusion. Despite the above impression, it is quite difficult to predict the course of the disease during pregnancy in an individual BD patient. Patients with BD and a history of thrombosis are recommended to avoid contraceptive pills.