About our research group/lab
Our research
The research line “Reproductive Rheumatology” focusses on the impact of rheumatic diseases on fertility and pregnancy outcome of both male and female patients with a rheumatic disease. In addition, the influence of pregnancy on disease activity of rheumatic diseases is studied.
The PARA cohort, a nationwide prospective cohort study with inclusion of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients between 2001-2010 was the first project of this research group. Women with RA either pregnant or with a wish to conceive were visited at their home address. In total, over 400 women were included and 235 children were born in this study. This study facilitated 5 successful PhD projects.
Initially, the main focus was on women with RA. In recent years our focus has broadened to other rheumatic diseases and male patients. Our current projects are the PreCARA cohort, a nationwide prospective cohort study on treatment strategies for rheumatic diseases during pregnancy and the iFAME study, a study on the impact of rheumatic diseases on male fertility.
From patients participating in cohorts mentioned above, blood and other samples are collected and stored, resulting in an extensive Reproductive Rheumatology Bank with thousands of valuable samples. Our bank contains amongst other things patient serum, plasma, DNA, urine and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). For more information on stored patient material and potential collaborations, please contact us.
Our projects
Key Publications
Altered DNA methylation in children born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy
Ince-Askan H et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2019;78:1198-1204
Tumour necrosis factor inhibitor use during pregnancy is associated with increased birth weight of rheumatoid arthritis patients' offspring
Smeele H et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases Sept 2022
Fertility in women with rheumatoid arthritis: influence of disease activity and medication
Brouwer J et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2015;74:1836-1841
Modern treatment approach results in low disease activity in 90% of pregnant rheumatoid arthritis patients: the PreCARA study
Smeele HTW et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (bmj.com)
Impaired fertility in men diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis: results of a large multicentre study (iFAME-Fertility)
Perez-Garcia LF et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (bmj.com)
Funding & Grants
Research Centre of Excellence (RCE) "Reumabehandeling bij kinderwens en zwangerschap"
ReumaNederland Award dr. Radboud Dolhain
