POS0037-PARE UNIFIED VOICES: DEVELOPMENT OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH THE BULGARIAN RHEUMATOLOGY SOCIETY AND PATIENT ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: V. Boyadzhieva, N. Stoilov, R. Stoilov, B. Boteva
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Patients with rheumatic diseases may face unique challenges when planning a family. The main common challenges include: fertility issues, pregnancy risks, disease flares; medication concerns; physiological and emotional impact. Education in that field is extremely important for both doctors and patients. Recommendations and guidelines that are written by specialists and the scientific rheumatology societies are important tools and source of information for patients, their families, rheumatologists, obstetricians, general practitioners and other health professionals. Currently, the recommendations for reproductive health in patients with RMD in Bulgaria are included in separate consensuses for each rheumatic disease. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To develop recommendations for reproductive health in patients with rheumatic diseases, through collaboration between the Bulgarian Rheumatology Society and patient organization in Bulgaria. <h3>Methods:</h3> The Bulgarian Organization of People with Rheumatic Diseases (BOPRD), the Association of Patients with Autoimmune Diseases (APAD) and the Bulgarian Rheumatology Society held a scientific session at the Annual rheumatology conference and laid the foundations for a collaboration in the field of reproductive health for patients with RMD. During a dedicated session, both patients and medical specialists shared insights into the myriad challenges they encounter while navigating the intricate landscape of family planning. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in understanding and addressing the unique needs of individuals. A working group was formed to select and review over 1,500 publications on family planning, management, and drug use during pregnancy. <h3>Results:</h3> The outcomes of these efforts include a fortified collaboration between the Bulgarian Society of Rheumatology and patient organizations. Additionally, the initiative has contributed to a more informed patient community, equipped with comprehensive knowledge about their diseases and associated risks. Based on the results of the literature review, 20 recommendations were made for the use of corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS), as well as for biological DMARDS. As a new therapeutic alternative, target synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have been added, but at the moment, the data on their use during pregnancy and lactation are limited. Special attention is paid to the application of biological treatment during lactation, as well as to the vaccination of children of parents on biological treatment. Webinar for patients: this interactive session will provide an opportunity for patients to gain insights directly from experts, with the rheumatologists presenting the key elements of the document and addressing any queries or concerns raised by participants. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> The collaboration between the Bulgarian Society of Rheumatology, the Bulgarian Organization for People with Rheumatic Diseases, and the Association of Patients with Autoimmune Diseases represents a significant step forward in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with rheumatic diseases when planning a family. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> Ms Aneta Draganova, Assosiation for patients with autoimmune diseases; Ms Gergana Nedyalkova, Assosiation for patients with autoimmune diseases; Ms Miglena Ivanova, Bulgarian organiazation for people with rheumatic diseases. <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>