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Catherine Sims, MD

Dr. Catherine Sims is a rheumatologist at Duke University working under the mentorship of reproductive rheumatologist Dr. Megan Clowse. Her research initiatives include quantitative and qualitative pregnancy outcomes in systemic vasculitides, creation of a pregnancy planning scoring system for women with systemic lupus erythematosus, and the utility of serum biomarkers to differentiate between preeclampsia and episodes of lupus nephritis during pregnancy. Working closely with national advocacy groups and patient representatives she has created patient centered, easily accessible information detailing the importance of birth control, intentional pregnancy, and family planning for people with vasculitis. Through novel research efforts, education of providers, and streamlined communication with patients her hope is to improve the reproductive experience for women with autoimmune diseases.

 

Articles By Catherine Sims, MD

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SLE, Antiphospholipid Antibodies, and the Placenta

By Catherine Sims, MD

It is well established that women with SLE are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and pregnancy loss. However, the pathophysiologic mechanisms driving these complications are not yet fully understood. In this article, we explore several proposed pathways where the immune system and placenta interface, summarized in Figure 1, that may enhance our understanding of these risks.

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Comparing EULAR (2025) and ACR (2020) Guidelines on Safety of Lupus Medications in Pregnancy

By Catherine Sims, MD

Attendees at the 2025 RheumaPreg meeting were excited to discuss the newly released EULAR recommendations for use of antirheumatic drugs in reproduction, pregnancy, and lactation. Table 1 summarizes the major recommendations from EULAR (2025) and the American College of Rheumatology (2020) reproductive guidelines for commonly used medications in SLE. It should be noted that these two sets of guidelines largely align, however, the updated EULAR guidelines have included some additional medications incorporating data from the last five years.

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Practical Guidance for the Clinical Rheumatologist in Unplanned Pregnancies

By Catherine Sims, MD

Discussions regarding family planning, contraception, and pregnancy should be approached at each clinic visit to ensure providers understand patients’ personal goals. These conversations have the potential to decrease the risk of unplanned pregnancies. However, rheumatologists may need to manage unplanned pregnancies and the impacts of accidental teratogenic exposure.

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Vaccine Efficacy in Patients with Seronegative Spondyloarthritis

By Catherine Sims, MD

Vaccine efficacy remains an important and highly discussed topic at this year’s annual meeting given the ongoing COVID-19 global health crisis, current influenza season, and recently published 2022 ACR guidelines for vaccinations in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

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Updates on Reproductive Health in Women with SLE

By Catherine Sims, MD

Is patient-administered cervical cancer screening an option for women with SLE? Should I prescribe estrogen containing contraceptives to SLE women with APL antibodies? What complications should I be aware of in pregnant women with SLE? Here are three abstracts that provide insight.

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