AB0580 THE USE OF CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS IN WOMEN WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS- RESULTS FROM RevNatus

Background: Contraception is an important area of reproductive health for patients with rheumatic diseases given the potential pregnancy risk associated with active disease, teratogenic medications and disease related damage. Objectives: To describe the use of contraceptive methods at 12 months post- partum in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: We prospectively collected self- reported data on contraceptive methods in women with RA one year post-partum, through the nationwide Norwegian registry on pregnancy and rheumatic diseases (RevNatus) from 2016-2023. All women were diagnosed by a rheumatologist with ICD-10 codes M05.8, M05.9 or M06.0. The use of contraception in 296 women with RA was recorded. Contraceptive methods were classified by relative efficacy based on World Health Organization categories. Highly effective methods: intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants and surgical sterilization. Moderately effective methods: hormonal methods (i.e. oral contraceptive pill, patches, vaginal rings and injections). Ineffective methods: condoms, withdrawal and emergency pill. Medications used at 12 months after delivery were classified by FDA medication pregnancy risk category with A/B/C low risk and D/X high risk. The only drug used in category D/X was methotrexate. Results: Mean age was 34 years, (SD= 5). Mean disease duration was 7 years (SD= 4), and mean disease activity measured by DAS28(3)CRP was 2.3 (SD= 0.8). Of the 45 patients who used methotrexate, 28 % used none- or ineffective contraceptive methods. 30 % of the women did not use any contraceptive methods at all, with only 5 % reporting a pregnancy wish. 12.5 % of the women were lactating 12 months postpartum. Table 1. Drug use and effectiveness of contraceptive methods Conclusion: Many patients using methotrexate did not use reliable contraceptive method. This suggest that contraceptive use and counseling can be implemented more frequently in women with RA. The study emphasizes the need for increased discussion of contraception for women with RA not desiring pregnancy. Acknowledgements: NIL. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.