Management of pregnancy in women with rare multisystemic vascular diseases: a qualitative survey analysis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pregnancy in women with rare vascular diseases is highly challenging, as it can be associated with significant maternal and foetal risks, requiring complex and multidisciplinary management. Care across countries remains insufficiently characterized, and both patients and healthcare providers across Europe highlight the need for better structures and organization to support this critical and potentially life-threatening phase. OBJECTIVE: To describe current practices, perspectives, and challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals in the management of pregnancy in women with rare vascular diseases. METHODS: A survey developed by the European Reference Networks (ERN) pregnancy working group was extended with VASCERN-specific questions, resulting in a 13-item questionnaire. The survey was distributed to healthcare providers and patient representatives (ePAGs). Qualitative data from open-ended responses were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: 36 responses were collected from 145 invited VASCERN members, resulting in a 25% response rate and representing 10 European countries. Most respondents were healthcare providers (83%). 17% were patient representatives. Thematic analysis identified five recurring themes, including the need for coordinated and collaborative multidisciplinary approaches, variability in the practices regarding preconception and genetic counselling, limited access to specialised centres for pregnancy monitoring, and the importance of structured delivery planning and postnatal follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This survey clearly shows that there are common concerns about pregnancy in women with rare vascular diseases. Improvement actions mainly involve better education and drawing up multidisciplinary care pathways and guidelines that will lead to better access and organisation of care. Initiatives in this direction have already been taken within VASCERN.
Authors: Gloria Somalo-Barranco, Alexandra Benachi, Laurence M. Boon, Petra Borgards, Janine Dickinson, Freya Droege, Olivier Dupuis, Michael Frank, Guillaume Jondeau, Robert M. Kauling, Diana Marinello, Edit Nagy, Jolien W. Roos-Hesselink, Meike Rybczynski, Pernille Mathiesen Torring, Carine van der Vleuten, Aline Verstraeten, Liesbeth Wildero Van Wouwe, Dina Zucchi, Julie De Backer
Institutions: Hôpital Bichat-Claude-Bernard, VASCERN, Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Antoine-Béclère, UCLouvain, Ziekenhuis Nij Smellinghe, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Inserm, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Université Paris Cité, Erasmus MC, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Karolinska University Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Odense University Hospital, Radboud University Nijmegen, Radboud University Medical Center, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Ghent University Hospital, University of Pisa
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,990
Funder: European Commission
OpenAlex ID: W7166308049