Textbook of Reproductive Rheumatology

The book is a comprehensive resource covering various aspects of reproductive health related to autoimmune rheumatic diseases. It provides the most up to date knowledge on all relevant aspects of reproductive rheumatology and addresses unmet needs and challenges in this vital area.

The book has 21 chapters by authors from 13 countries on topics such as pregnancy in the context of various autoimmune rheumatic diseases, immunology of pregnancy, sexual dysfunction, contraception and fertility. As some anti-rheumatic drugs may be harmful if used during the pregnancy or affect fertility, the book also comprehensively covers relevant drugs and guidelines to update clinicians on the effective use of pregnancy-safe medications. Additionally, the book addresses certain important but often overlooked areas of reproductive health such as paternal factors affecting reproductive issues and pre-conception counselling and assessment. Flow charts and tables have been included to simplify the information and provide a quick review of each chapter. Lastly, the book also highlights the challenges in managing these diseases in the context of pregnancy, offering evidence based insights to identify and improve the care of these patients.

The book is intended for clinicians, scientists, and students in the field of rheumatology and clinical immunology and obstetric-medicine.

Professor Vinod Ravindran is a consultant rheumatologist and director of the Centre for Rheumatology in Kozhikode, Kerala, India. He is also an adjunct Professor of Medicine at the Kasturba Medical College in Manipal. Dr. Ravindran was trained in internal medicine in India and the UK, and he received specialist training in Rheumatology in London. He obtained a master’s degree in Rheumatology from King’s College in London, UK. Dr. Ravindran is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and has served as a Co-Editor of Rheumatology (Oxford) since 2024. Dr. Ravindran’s primary interests in rheumatology are reproductive rheumatology and raising awareness about Rheumatoid Arthritis. He is the Co-convener of the APLAR Women’s Health in AIRDs and the Convener of IRA Reproductive Rheumatology Special Interest Groups. He has also held the positions of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Indian Journal of Rheumatology. Dr. Ravindran is on the editorial boards of the Journal of Autoimmunity and EULAR Rheumatology Open. He has edited or co-edited 4 journal supplements and 10 books and has contributed 38 book chapters and published over 200 papers.