EULAR recommendations for women's health and the management of family planning, assisted reproduction, pregnancy and menopause in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome

Impact of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid on pregnancy outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus: results from a multicentre study

OBJECTIVE

It is still a matter of debate whether low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (LDASA) should be prescribed to all patients with SLE during pregnancy. This study aimed at investigating the impact of LDASA on pregnancy outcomes in patients with SLE without history of renal involvement and without antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively monitored pregnancies at seven rheumatology centres. Previous/current renal involvement and aPL positivity were the exclusion criteria. Adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) is the composite outcome of the study and included proteinuric pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery <37 weeks, small-for-gestational age infant, low birth weight <2500 g, intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine fetal death after 12 weeks of gestation of a morphologically normal fetus.

RESULTS

216 pregnancies in 187 patients were included; 82 pregnancies (38.0%) were exposed to LDASA treatment. No differences in terms of age at conception, disease duration, clinical manifestations, comorbidities and disease flare during pregnancy were observed between patients taking LDASA and those who did not take LDASA during pregnancy. APO was observed in 65 cases (30.1%), including 13 cases (6.1%) of pre-eclampsia. The incidence of all complications was similar in the two groups. However, it is interesting to note that pre-eclampsia had lower frequency in patients taking LDASA versus those not taking LDASA (2.4% vs 8.3%, p=0.14).

CONCLUSIONS

In pregnant patients with SLE without renal involvement and were aPL-negative, there is a low risk of severe obstetric complications, such as early pre-eclampsia. LDASA treatment does not provide a statistically significant advantage over these complications. However, a careful individual risk-benefit balance is warranted.

Oxidative stress induces meiotic defects of oocytes in a mouse psoriasis model

Psoriasis, an immune-mediated inflammatory disease, is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Emerging evidence indicates that these defects are likely attributed to compromised oocyte competence. Nevertheless, little is known about the underlying associated mechanisms between psoriasis and poor oocyte quality. In this study, we construct an imiquimod-induced chronic psoriasis-like mouse model to review the effects of psoriasis on oocyte quality. We discover that oocytes from psoriasis-like mice display spindle/chromosome disorganization, kinetochore-microtubule mis-attachment, and aneuploidy. Importantly, our results show that melatonin supplement in vitro and in vivo not only increases the rate of matured oocytes but also significantly attenuates oxidative stress and meiotic defects by restoring mitochondrial function in oocytes from psoriasis-like mice. Altogether, our data uncover the adverse effects of psoriasis symptoms on oocytes, and melatonin supplement ameliorates oxidative stress and meiotic defects of oocytes from psoriatic mice.

The Impact of Preeclampsia in Lupus Nephritis

INTRODUCTION

Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly those with lupus nephritis (LN), remain at high risk for adverse pregnancy outcome. Although in the last decades maternal and fetal outcomes have improved dramatically, preeclampsia remains a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

AREAS COVERED

A narrative review of literature was conducted, underlying the importance of pre-conception counseling, and focusing on the correlation between preeclampsia and LN. The clinical characteristics of preeclampsia were described, with emphasis on risk factors in LN and the differential diagnosis between preeclampsia and lupus flares. Additionally, the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia were discussed, as well as the management of short-term and long-term consequences of preeclampsia. We highlight the importance of a pre-pregnancy counseling from a multidisciplinary team to plan pregnancy during inactive SLE and LN.

EXPERT OPINION

Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term consequences of pregnancy in LN. Considering that preeclamptic patients can be at high risk for long-term renal failure, we suggest renal checkup for at least 6-12 months after delivery in all patients.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Risk in Pregnant Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by comparing pregnancies in women with SLE to general population controls.

METHODS

We identified singleton pregnancies among women with SLE and general population controls in the Swedish Medical Birth Register (MBR; 2006-2016), sampled from the population-based Swedish Lupus Linkage (SLINK) cohort (1987-2012). SLE was defined by ≥ 2 International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-coded visits in the National Patient Register (NPR) and MBR, with ≥ 1 visit before pregnancy. GDM was defined by ≥ 1 ICD-coded visit in the NPR or MBR. Glucocorticoid (GC) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) dispensations within 6 months before and during pregnancy were identified in the Prescribed Drug Register. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs of GDM associated with SLE were estimated using modified Poisson regression models, stratified by parity and adjusted for maternal age at delivery, year of birth, and obesity.

RESULTS

We identified 695 SLE pregnancies including 18 (2.6%) with GDM and 4644 non-SLE pregnancies including 65 (1.4%) with GDM. Adjusted RRs of GDM associated with SLE were 1.11 (95% CI 0.38-3.27) for first deliveries and 2.03 (95% CI 1.21-3.40) for all deliveries. Among SLE pregnancies, GDM occurred in 7/306 (2.3%) with ≥ 1 GC before and/or during pregnancy, 11/389 (2.8%) without GC, 7/287 (2.4%) with ≥ 1 HCQ before and/or during pregnancy, and in 11/408 (2.7%) without HCQ.

CONCLUSION

When looking at all deliveries, SLE was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of GDM. GDM occurrence did not differ by GC or HCQ.

Maternal disease activity and serological activity as predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective chart review

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association between disease activity, serological activity, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and determine the cut-off values of complements to predict APOs in live birth cases.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review included pregnant women with SLE who had singleton live births after 22 weeks between 2006 and 2020. First trimester maternal disease activity was assessed for SLE onset during pregnancy, antiphospholipid syndrome, SLE pregnancy disease activity index (SLEPDAI), disease flare-ups, lupus nephritis, pancytopenia, and daily prednisolone dosage. Serological activity was assessed for autoantibodies and complements. APOs included preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight infants, small-for-gestational age infants, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and preeclampsia (PE). Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare categorical variables; a receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed to calculate the cut-off values of complements to predict APOs.

RESULTS

Fifty-two participants met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of PTB and PE was associated with a high SLEPDAI (p < 0.001, p = 0.001), disease flare-ups (p = 0.007, p < 0.001), lupus nephritis (p = 0.020, p = 0.012), anti-dsDNA antibodies (p = 0.047, p = 0.016), anti-SSA antibodies (p = 0.003, p = 0.004), low CH 50 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), low C3 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), and low C4 (p < 0.001, p = 0.001), respectively. The cut-off values of C4 to predict PTB and PE were 13.0 mg/dL (higher than the normal lowest limit).

CONCLUSION

High maternal disease activity and high serological activity in the first trimester in women with SLE are significantly associated with APOs. Proper disease control and close management for hypocomplementemia are required for better perinatal outcomes.

Tailored treatment strategies and future directions in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians due to its protean manifestations and unpredictable course. The disease may manifest as multisystemic or organ-dominant and severity at presentation may vary according to age at onset (childhood-, adult- or late-onset SLE). Different manifestations may respond variably to different immunosuppressive medications and, even within the same organ-system, the severity of inflammation may vary from mild to organ-threatening. Current "state-of-the-art" in SLE treatment aims at remission or low disease activity in all organ systems. Apart from hydroxychloroquine and glucocorticoids (which should be used with caution), the choice of the appropriate immunosuppressive agent should be individualized and depend on the prevailing manifestation, severity stratification and patient childbearing potential. In this review, we provide an overview of therapeutic options for the various organ manifestations and severity patterns of the disease, different phenotypes (such as multisystem versus organ-dominant disease), as well as specific considerations, including lupus with antiphospholipid antibodies, childhood and late-onset disease, as well as treatment options during pregnancy and lactation.

Long Term Follow up of Patients With Primary Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Introduction: Primary obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) is defined by specific morbidities and/or losses of pregnancy in the presence of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). This variant of APS is usually treated during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Data on occurrence of thrombotic event during long term follow-up of OAPS patients is limited. Methods: A multi-centre retrospectively cohort of female patients with primary APS (pAPS) was assembled during 2004-2019. Patients were grouped according to disease presentation as pure OAPS or thrombotic APS (tAPS) for those presenting with thrombosis. Clinical and serological data were compared between groups. Results: Of 219 pAPS female patients 67 (30.6%) were diagnosed with OAPS and 152 (69.4%) with tAPS. During >10 years of follow-up 24/67 (35.8%) OAPS and 71/152 (50%) tAPS suffered a new thrombotic event (p = 0.06), while obstetric morbidity was more likely in the OAPS group (31.3 vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001) respectively. Among patients with OAPS at presentation heart valve disease and the presence of ANA were related to thrombosis following diagnosis (25 vs. 4.7%, p = 0.02; and 45.8 vs. 20.8%, p = 0.04 respectively). Conclusion: Thrombotic event following diagnosis were common among female patients with pAPS regardless of disease presentation. Heart valve disease and ANA positivity may be risk factors for thrombosis during follow-up of patients presenting with pure OAPS.

Hormone therapy effect on menopausal systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a systematic review

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) primarily affects women, who may need hormone therapy (HT) in menopause. There is, however, some concern as to its efficacy and safety. This systematic review aimed to determine the effect of HT on the activity of SLE and its safety. The study was a qualitative systematic review. Research was conducted with data retrieved from Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases using MESH terms up to April 2021, with no bar on date or language. Sixteen studies were selected for analysis. Most of them showed HT to be effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms with no impact in SLE activity, but one randomized clinical trial showed an increase in the number of thrombotic events. The present systematic review demonstrated the efficacy of HT for treating the menopausal symptoms of SLE patients. The risk of flare and thrombosis seems to be very low.

Low pre-pregnant body mass index is a risk factor for the decrease of postpartum bone mineral density in systemic lupus erythematosus patients received glucocorticoid therapy

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated postpartum bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving long-term glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, assessed risk factors for decreased postpartum BMD, and evaluated change of BMD after postpartum initiation or restarting of osteoporosis drugs.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined 30 SLE patients who gave birth and 31 non-pregnant SLE patients. In the postpartum SLE patients, BMD was measured after delivery and 1 year later. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess risk factors for decreased BMD in postpartum SLE patients.

RESULTS

Patient age at pregnancy was 34.5 ± 4.5 years, and SLE duration was 9.7 ± 6.0 years. The mean prednisolone dose was 9.7 ± 3.2 mg/day. Body mass index (BMI) was 21.6 ± 2.2 kg/m², with 13 women (43%) experiencing their first delivery. Postpartum BMD was 1.080 ± 0.120 g/cm² in the lumbar spine and 0.834 ± 0.109 g/cm² in the total hip. Bone loss occurred in six patients (21%) in the lumbar spine and 11 patients (37%) in the total hip. Postpartum lumbar spine BMD was significantly reduced compared to that in the non-pregnant group (1.143 ± 0.120 g/cm², p = 0.048). Multivariate analysis identified gestational age and low BMI before pregnancy as risk factors for hip bone loss.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum BMD significantly decrease in SLE patients receiving long-term GC, and low BMI before pregnancy was a risk factor for the decrease. Preconception care to prevent osteoporosis and that regularly monitors BMD after delivery are needed.

Lupus erythematosus: management of cutaneous manifestations during pregnancy

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that often affects the skin. Cutaneous manifestations are generally subdivided into different subtypes, including acute, subacute and chronic courses. Management of lupus erythematosus cutaneous manifestations during pregnancy remains a clinical challenge until nowadays. To date, no recommendations have been published specifically for the treatment of this condition in pregnant women, so therapeutic strategies are mainly based on recommendations for general population and other rheumatologic and dermatologic diseases during pregnancy. This challenge is compounded by a lack of evidence-based studies, as clinical trials in pregnant women are considered unethical in many circumstances, so data are often extrapolated from low-evidence sources. The aim of this article consists in review currently evidence of treatment of lupus erythematosus cutaneous lesion in pregnant women. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Importance of family planning in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: A multidisciplinary approach

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Family planning in women with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases is a challenge for healthcare teams, highlighting the need for standardized available evidence to provide patients with objective and agreed information. This study reflects the work performed by a multidisciplinary team in reviewing available scientific evidence, and the strategy agreed for family planning, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted, information was structured across the different stages (preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding), and an on-site meeting was convened, in which patients and healthcare providers participated.

RESULTS

Specific materials, which are included in this work, were developed to guide clinical decisions to be agreed upon by patients and healthcare providers.

CONCLUSION

These materials meet the need for validated and updated information on the approach and use of indicated drugs for professionals responsible for the management of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

A glimpse into the future of systemic lupus erythematosus

This viewpoint article on a forecast of clinically meaningful changes in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the next 10 years is based on a review of the current state of the art. The groundwork has been laid by a robust series of classification criteria and treatment recommendations that have all been published since 2019. Building on this strong foundation, SLE management predictably will take significant steps forward. Assessment for lupus arthritis will presumably include musculoskeletal sonography. Large-scale polyomics studies are likely to unravel more of the central immune mechanisms of the disease. Biomarkers predictive of therapeutic success may enter the field; the type I interferon signature, as a companion for use of anifrolumab, an antibody against the common type I interferon receptor, is one serious candidate. Besides anifrolumab for nonrenal SLE and the new calcineurin inhibitor voclosporin in lupus nephritis, both of which are already approved in the United States and likely to become available in the European Union in 2022, several other approaches are in advanced clinical trials. These include advanced B cell depletion, inhibition of costimulation via CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD40L), and Janus kinase 1 (Jak1) and Tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) inhibition. At the same time, essentially all of our conventional therapeutic armamentarium will continue to be used. The ability of patients to have successful SLE pregnancies, which has become much better in the last decades, should further improve, with approaches including tumor necrosis factor blockade and self-monitoring of fetal heart rates. While we hope that the COVID-19 pandemic will soon be controlled, it has highlighted the risk of severe viral infections in SLE, with increased risk tied to certain therapies. Although there are some data that a cure might be achievable, this likely will remain a challenge beyond 10 years from now.

Managing puerperium in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases: an update

INTRODUCTION

Puerperium is a critical period for patients affected by autoimmune rheumatic diseases for the risk of disease's flares and difficulties in treating lactating mothers. We want to summarize the literature data about psychological and pharmacological management of these patients and possible risk factors of disease's flares.

AREAS COVERED

We made a narrative review on recent studies about puerperium in rheumatic autoimmune diseases patients.

EXPERT OPINION

The physicians involved in management of patients during puerperium and in the follow-up of babies need to agree on maternal treatment because they need to reassure mothers about the safety of the prescribed medications. Furthermore, women with rheumatic diseases could present some musculoskeletal limitations and psychological problems, such as postpartum depression, which can lead to a sense of inadequacy to the mother's task. Families and physicians should be aware of these possible complications and support the new mothers providing correct counseling and practical help.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and idiopathic infertility

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to evaluate obstetric outcome of women affected by idiopathic infertility showing persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).

METHODS

: From 2000 consecutive patients undergoing ART, we selected 151 (7.55%) clinical records of patients affected by idiopathic infertility undergoing ICSI and showing positive aPL.

RESULTS

Persistently positive aPL were found in 64/151 (42.38%) of the patients: in 34/64 (53.12%) at medium/high titers (group A) and in 30/64 (46.87%) at low titers (group B). Primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was diagnosed in 25% of the patients, whereas 37.5% women showed clinical and/or laboratory features suggestive of APS, but not fulfilling clinical or laboratory classification criteria. Idiopathic infertility was the sole symptom in 31.25%. In 55% of these infertile patients, a history of recurrent failures of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) was also observed. Eighty-eight percent (88.88%) of women became pregnant and 77.77% gave birth. During pregnancy, an increase of aPL values was observed in 29.41% women of group B.

CONCLUSIONS

A careful selection of patients allowed us to confirm that women affected by idiopathic infertility show a high prevalence of aPL, suggesting that these autoantibodies can also affect conception. Considering pregnancy complications and thrombotic risk related to ovarian stimulation, measuring aPL can represent a valid tool to identify among infertile women undergoing ART those at higher risk of pregnancy complications potentially life-threatening for mother and the fetus. In such patients, an accurate diagnosis and an adequate therapy are related to a better ART outcome.

Impact of pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: case series and literature review

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pregnancy complicated by SLE-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SLE-PAH) in a case series and literature review.

Methods

This single-centre retrospective study included 10 consecutive pregnancies complicated by SLE-PAH confirmed by right heart catheterisation (RHC) at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2009 and 2020. A literature search was conducted and 14 pregnancy cases complicated by SLE-PAH were reviewed.

Results

At the time of 10 patients’ initial visits, the average age was 30.00±5.72 years and the median disease duration of SLE and PAH was 34.5 (range 1–164) months and 2 (1–51) months. Two patients carried planned pregnancy, seven patients developed PAH during pregnancy and one pregnancy was unplanned. Further, nine patients had low disease activity, with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index between 0 and 4, and 30%, 30% and 40% of patients were of WHO functional class II, III and IV, respectively. All patients were evaluated by RHC and echocardiography. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were elevated in 70% of patients, with a median level of 776 (56–18 023) pg/mL. The median time of completed pregnancies in all patients was 31 (15–38) weeks and six patients delivered live infants. SLE activity and PAH severity improved in 70% of patients within 6 months after delivery. One patient died on the 15th day after induction of labour. In the remaining patients, all achieved a lupus low disease activity state; according to the European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society risk stratification, seven were categorised at a lower risk state compared with their risk stratification during pregnancy, and two remained at intermediate risk. Additionally, 80% of patients exhibited mild impairments with WHO functional class I or II. The median NT-proBNP level was 184 (32–4003) pg/mL within 6 months after delivery. In the reviewed literature, the average age of patients was 30.09±5.37 years. The median time of completed pregnancies was 36 (28–40) weeks. More cases were planned and successful, and the survival rates of mothers and neonates were 85.71% and 92.86%, respectively.

Conclusions

Successful pregnancy could be possible in women with SLE-PAH if SLE-PAH treatment goals are achieved under proper therapies, careful monitoring and thorough evaluations.

Hydroxychloroquine in the pregnancies of women with lupus: a meta-analysis of individual participant data

Objective

Multiple guidelines recommend continuing hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for SLE during pregnancy based on observational data. The goal of this individual patient data meta-analysis was to identify the potential benefits and harms of HCQ use within lupus pregnancies.

Methods

Eligible studies included prospectively collected pregnancies in women with lupus. After a systematic literature search, seven datasets meeting inclusion criteria were obtained. Pregnancy outcomes and lupus activity were compared for pregnancies with a visit in the first trimester in women who did or did not take HCQ throughout pregnancy. Birth defects were not systematically collected. This analysis was conducted in each dataset, and results were aggregated to provide a pooled OR.

Results

Seven cohorts provided 938 pregnancies in 804 women. After selecting one pregnancy per patient with a first trimester visit, 668 pregnancies were included; 63% took HCQ throughout pregnancy. Compared with pregnancies without HCQ, those with HCQ had lower odds of highly active lupus, but did not have different odds of fetal loss, preterm delivery or pre-eclampsia. Among women with low lupus activity, HCQ reduced the odds of preterm delivery.

Conclusions

This large study of prospectively-collected lupus pregnancies demonstrates a decrease in lupus activity among woman who continue HCQ through pregnancy and no harm to pregnancy outcomes. Like all studies of HCQ in lupus pregnancy, this study is confounded by indication and non-adherence. As this study confirms the safety of HCQ and diminished SLE activity with use, it is consistent with current recommendations to continue HCQ throughout pregnancy.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Management in Pregnancy

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects reproductive aged women. Issues regarding family planning are an important part of SLE patient care. Women with SLE can flare during pregnancy, in particular those who have active disease at conception or prior history of renal disease. These flares can lead to increased adverse pregnancy outcomes including fetal loss, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and small for gestational aged infants. In addition, women with antiphospholipid antibodies can have thrombosis during pregnancy or higher rates of fetal loss. Women who have anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies need special monitoring as their offspring are at risk for congenital complete heart block and neonatal lupus. Ideally, SLE patients should have their disease under good control on medications compatible with pregnancy prior to conception. All patients with SLE should remain on hydroxychloroquine unless contraindicated. We recommend the addition of 81mg/d of aspirin at the end of the first trimester to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia. The immunosuppressive azathioprine, tacrolimus and cyclosporine are compatible with pregnancy and lactation, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)/mycophenolic acid are not. Providers should use glucocorticoids at the lowest possible dose. Methotrexate, leflunomide and cyclophosphamide are contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. SLE patients on the biologics rituximab, belimumab and abatacept can continue these medications until conception and resume during lactation.

Pregnancy in Women With Preexisting Glomerular Diseases: A Single-Center Experience

Aim

Women with glomerular diseases are often of childbearing age. Besides lupus nephritis, data regarding pregnancy in patients with glomerular diseases are limited, posing a challenging task to attending nephrologists. This study aimed to investigate the pregnancy outcomes and the impact on the underlying glomerular disease among women followed in our institution.

Methods

A single-center retrospective cohort study of women with biopsy-proven glomerular diseases who experienced pregnancy between 2010 and 2020. We analyzed data before, during, and after gestation.

Results

A total of 22 women, 13 women with primary and 9 women with secondary glomerular diseases, were included in this study. Most patients (82%) had received immunosuppressive treatment at various times before pregnancy. All the women were in remission, either complete (62%) or partial (38%), with well-preserved renal function (82%) before conception. A total of 30 live births and 1 stillbirth were recorded; the rate of preterm delivery was 23%. Renal function and proteinuria remained stable during pregnancy. Preeclampsia was observed in 6.7% of patients and disease relapse in 6.9% of the pregnancies.

Conclusion

Pregnancy was associated with a low frequency of adverse events in women with underlying glomerular diseases, provided they have quiescent disease and preserved renal function.

Hydroxychloroquine in systemic lupus erythematosus: overview of current knowledge

The antimalarial hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has demonstrated several crucial properties for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Herein, we reviewed the main HCQ pharmacologic features, detailed its mechanism of action, and summarized the existing guidelines and recommendations for HCQ use in rheumatology with a systematic literature search for the randomized controlled trials focused on lupus. HCQ has been shown to decrease SLE activity, especially in mild and moderate disease, to prevent disease flare and to lower the long-term glucocorticoid need. The numerous benefits of HCQ are extended to pregnancy and breastfeeding period. Based on cohort studies, antithrombotic and metabolic HCQ’s effects were shown, including lipid-lowering properties, which might contribute to an improved cardiovascular risk. Moreover, early HCQ use in antinuclear antibodies positive individuals might delay the progression to SLE. Finally, HCQ has a significant favorable impact on long-term outcomes such as damage accrual and mortality in SLE. Based on these multiple benefits, HCQ is now the mainstay long-term treatment in SLE, recommended by current guidelines in all patients unless contraindications or side effects. The daily dose associated with the best compromise between efficacy and safety is matter of debate. The concern regarding retinal toxicity rather than proper efficacy data is the one that dictated the daily dosage of ⩽5 mg/kg/day actual body weight currently agreed upon.

The Detrimental Effect of Thyroiditis on Pregnancy Outcome of Patients Affected by Autoimmune Diseases: An Open Question

Few data are available evaluating obstetrical outcome when thyroiditis coexist with autoimmune diseases. Objectives of our study were: 1) To assess the prevalence of thyroiditis in pregnant women with autoimmune diseases; 2) To evaluate the effects on pregnancy outcome when different autoimmune diseases are associated with thyroiditis. Two groups of pregnant women were analysed: a study group of pregnant women with autoimmune diseases (n = 268) versus a control group of pregnant women (n = 1,150). In both groups the research for thyroid antibodies, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, was performed. The positivity had a prevalence of 17.54% in women with autoimmune diseases (n = 47) versus 5.57% in the control group (n = 64) (p-value < 0.00001). Only major rheumatic diseases (MRD) were analysed for pregnancy outcome (week of delivery, birth weight and birth weight percentile): systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) n = 36, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) n = 44 and connective tissue diseases (CTD) n = 23. MRD were divided according to positive or negative results for thyroid antibodies. Thyroiditis in CDT patients showed a detrimental effect on pregnancy outcome, in terms of earlier week of delivery: 37.86 ± 0.90 (mean ± SD) in CTD with thyroiditis versus 38.56 ± 0.73 (mean ± SD) in CTD without thyroiditis (p-value = 0.03) and lower birth weight: 2,790.71 g ± 257.17 SD in CTD with thyroiditis versus 3,019.33 g ± 305.48 g in CTD without thyroiditis (p-value < 0.05). In SLE and APS thyroiditis did not appear to influence pregnancy outcome. However, we suggest investigating anti-thyroid antibodies in all autoimmune diseases with special attention to pregnant women with thyroiditis and CTD.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Increases the Risk of Gestational Diabetes: Truth or Illusion?

In this issue of The Journal of Rheumatology, Gernaat et al¹ conducted a population-based study to evaluate whether the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by comparing pregnancies in women with SLE to those in general population controls. The authors used a Swedish medical registry to collect data from 695 SLE pregnancies and 4644 non-SLE pregnancies in Sweden between November 2006 and 2016. They found a 2-fold increased risk of GDM in SLE, which did not differ by glucocorticoid (GC) or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) medication. Pregnancy with SLE is considered a high-risk pregnancy.

Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Management of Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity associated with persistent antiphospholipid antibody positivity. Cases fulfilling the Sydney criteria for obstetric morbidity with no previous thrombosis are known as obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS). OAPS is the most identified cause of recurrent pregnancy loss and late-pregnancy morbidity related to placental injury. Cases with incomplete clinical or laboratory data are classified as obstetric morbidity APS (OMAPS) and non-criteria OAPS (NC-OAPS), respectively. Inflammatory and thrombotic mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of OAPS. Trophoblasts, endothelium, platelets and innate immune cells are key cellular players. Complement activation plays a crucial pathogenic role. Secondary placental thrombosis appears by clot formation in response to tissue factor activation. New risk assessment tools could improve the prediction of obstetric complication recurrences or thromboses. The standard-of-care treatment consists of low-dose aspirin and prophylactic low molecular weight heparin. In refractory cases, the addition of hydroxychloroquine, low-dose prednisone or IVIG improve pregnancy outcomes. Statins and eculizumab are currently being tested for treating selected OAPS women. Finally, we revisited recent insights and concerns about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of OAPS.

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection after maternal primary infection in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Management of infectious complications in pregnant women receiving immunosuppressive therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is important. Maternal infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) often causes congenital CMV infection in the foetus. Thus far, there are only few reports on congenital CMV infection after maternal reactivation in patients with SLE. We report the first case of congenital CMV infection after maternal primary infection in a patient with SLE.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 19-year-old Japanese primigravida with SLE received treatment with prednisolone 3 mg/day and azathioprine 75 mg/day at conception. At 7 weeks of gestation, she suddenly developed fever and had decreased white blood cell and platelet counts and elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. These clinical findings led to a diagnosis of SLE exacerbation. The prednisolone dose was increased to 15 mg/day, and hydroxychloroquine (200 mg/day) was administered. Consequently, all clinical findings normalised at 12 weeks. At 19 weeks, foetal ultrasound findings revealed oligohydramnios, brain hypoplasia, ventriculomegaly and hyperechogenic bowel. Maternal serological test results indicated increased CMV-specific IgG and IgM levels, low IgG avidity (26%), and positive CMV antigenemia. The foetus was diagnosed with symptomatic congenital CMV infection transmitted from the maternal primary infection. After counselling about the severe prognosis of the foetus, the mother decided to terminate her pregnancy and underwent artificial abortion at 21 weeks.

DISCUSSION

The foetus of a mother with SLE who is receiving immunosuppressive therapy may be at increased risk of transmission and aggravation of congenital CMV infection; thus, preventive management and screening for congenital CMV infection during pregnancy are recommended for such patients. Maternal CMV infection shows clinical findings similar to those of SLE exacerbation, and careful differential diagnosis by maternal serological evaluation and foetal ultrasound scans is required.

Reproductive Issues and Pregnancy Implications in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease that can influence reproductive health. SSc has a strong female predominance, and the disease onset can occur during fertility age in almost 50% of patients. Preconception counseling, adjustment of treatment, and close surveillance during pregnancy by a multidisciplinary team, are key points to minimize fetal and maternal risks and favor successful pregnancy outcomes. The rates of spontaneous pregnancy losses are comparable to those of the general obstetric population, except for patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and severe internal organ involvement who may carry a higher risk of abortion. Preterm birth can frequently occur in women with SSc, as it happens in other rheumatic diseases. Overall disease activity generally remains stable during pregnancy, but particular attention should be paid to women with major organ disease, such as renal and cardiopulmonary involvement. Women with such severe involvement should be thoroughly informed about the risks during pregnancy and possibly discouraged from getting pregnant. A high frequency of sexual dysfunction has been described among SSc patients, both in females and in males, and pathogenic mechanisms of SSc may play a fundamental role in determining this impairment. Fertility is overall normal in SSc women, while no studies in the literature have investigated fertility in SSc male patients. Nevertheless, some considerations regarding the impact of some immunosuppressive drugs should be done with male patients, referring to the knowledge gained in other rheumatic diseases.

Risk of Pregnancy Complications and Low Birth Weight Offsprings in Korean Women With Rheumatic Diseases: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

To determine the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse offspring outcomes in Korean women with rheumatic diseases (RDs).

METHODS

Women aged 20-44 years with pregnancies ending in delivery were identified from the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Information Database (2009-2016). Women with RD including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (SPRA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (n = 4,284) were age-matched with controls (n = 26,023). Outcome variables included threatened abortion (TA), preterm birth (PB), preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E), intrauterine growth retardation (IGR), urinary tract infection, low birth weight (LBW) offsprings, and offspring death within 1 year of birth.

RESULTS

Women with RDs had increased risks for cesarean section delivery (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-1.6), TA (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.5), PB (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.9-3.2), PE/E (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 3.3-5.9), and IGR (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.0-3.1) than the controls. The risk of pregnancy complications was increased in SLE and SPRA pregnancies but not in AS pregnancies. Offsprings of women with RDs had an increased risk of LBW (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 3.2-4.9). The offspring mortality rate within 1 year of birth was higher in women with RDs (6.2/10,000 persons) than in the controls (4.9/10,000 persons).

CONCLUSION

Women with RDs are at a risk of developing pregnancy complications, and the risk of LBW offsprings and offspring death within 1 year of birth is increased in these women. Therefore, this population requires special attention during their childbearing years.

Evaluation of lupus anticoagulant, damage, and remission as predictors of pregnancy complications in lupus women: the French GR2 study

OBJECTIVES

The specific roles of remission status, lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS), and damage accrual on the prognosis of pregnancies in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are unknown. We analysed their impact on maternal flares and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs).

METHODS

We evaluated all women (≥18 years) with SLE enrolled in the prospective GR2 study with an ongoing singleton pregnancy at 12 weeks (one pregnancy/woman). Several sets of criteria were used to define remission, disease activity, and damage. APOs included: fetal/neonatal death, placental insufficiency with preterm delivery, and small-for-gestational-age birth weight. First trimester maternal and disease features were tested as predictors of maternal flares and APOs.

RESULTS

The study included 238 women (98.3% on hydroxychloroquine) with 230 live births. Thirty-five (14.7%) patients had at least one flare during the second/third trimester. At least one APO occurred in 34 (14.3%) women.Hypocomplementemia in the first trimester was the only factor associated with maternal flares later in pregnancy (p = 0.02), while several factors were associated with APOs. In the logistic regression models, damage by SLICC-Damage Index (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9 for model 1 and OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.8 for model 2) and lupus anticoagulant (LAC, OR 4.2, 95% CI: 1.8-9.7 for model 1; OR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6-8.7 for model 2) were significantly associated with APOs.

CONCLUSION

LAC and damage at conception were predictors of APOs, and hypocomplementemia in the first trimester was associated with maternal flares later in pregnancy in a cohort of pregnant patients with well-controlled SLE.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02450396.

Factors associated with fertility abnormalities in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Fertility is thought to be not affected in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), however disease-related factors, psychosocial effects of chronic disease, as well as medications exposure might impair gonadal function.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic literature review (SLR) aimed to explore clinical, hormonal, serological and treatment factors associated with fertility outcomes in women of childbearing age with SLE.

METHODS

This SLR was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. All articles available in English (1972 - 30th April 2021) in Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane Library were screened. Study selection and data collection were performed by two independent reviewers. All data were extracted using a standardized template. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the NIH risk-of-bias tool.

RESULTS

Of 789 abstracts evaluated, we included in this review 46 studies, of which 1 SLR, 16 cross-sectional studies, 18 cohort studies, 10 observational studies and 1 case-series, with data pertaining to 4704 patients (mean age 31.5 ± 3.7 years, disease duration 83.27 ± 38.3 months). Definitions of premature ovarian failure (POF) adopted in the studies varied in terms of the number of months of amenorrhea considered and the age of onset of amenorrhea. Clinical factors associated with the development of POF were older age at the time of initiation of therapy, and older age at the onset of SLE disease. Cyclophosphamide exposure (CYC) and its cumulative dose influenced gonadal function in SLE women, leading to amenorrhoea and POF, as reported in 19 studies. Mycophenolate, azathioprine, calcineurin inhibitors and steroids associated with a lower risk of POF compared to CYC. POF was less frequent in patients co-treated with CYC and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRH-a) compared with patients not receiving GnRH-a (risk ratio 0.798, 95%-CI [0.1417; 0.5525]). 11 studies evaluated the impact of damage accrual and disease activity on ovarian reserve with conflicting evidence. Finally, 18 studies investigated exposure to hormonal and serological factors and, among others, neither Anti-Müllerian Hormone nor anti-corpus luteum antibodies were associated with POF.

CONCLUSION

The strongest evidence regarding management factors associated with fertility in SLE women of childbearing age remains the treatment with CYC, as well as its cumulative dosage. Hormonal and serological factors appeared not to impact fertility outcomes, but they might be used as a surrogate of fertility, especially during the treatment with disease-specific drugs.

Mobile Responsive App-A Useful Additional Tool for Data Collection in the German Pregnancy Register Rhekiss?

Background: The German pregnancy register Rhekiss is designed as a nationwide, web-based longitudinal observational cohort established in 2015. The register follows women with inflammatory rheumatic disease prospectively from child wish or early pregnancy until 2 years post-partum. Information on clinical and laboratory parameters, drug treatment, and (adverse) pregnancy outcomes are documented in pre-specified intervals. Physicians and patients report data for the same time periods via separated accounts and forms into a web-based application (app). As data entry on mobile devices might improve response rates of patients, a responsive app as a further convenient documentation option was developed.

Methods: The Rhekiss-app is available for self-reported data retrieval since August 2017 from the App stores. For the current analysis, Rhekiss register data were used from the start of the register until 30 September 2020. The analyses were performed for forms containing information on devices. Outcome parameters were compared for mobile and desktop users for the quantity and quality of filled forms.

Results: In total, 5,048 forms were received and submitted by 966 patients. About 57% of forms were sent from mobile devices with the highest numbers in patients with child wishes (63%). Users of mobile devices were slightly younger and often had less high-education level (62 vs. 79%) compared with desktop users. The proportion of forms submitted via mobile devices increased steadily from 48% in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 64% in the third quarter of 2020. The proportion of forms received before and after the Rhekiss-app implementation increased with the highest increase of 12% for forms filled at time point 12 months post-partum. Mobile users submitted significantly more forms than desktop users (2.9 vs. 2.1), data sent via desktops were more often complete (88 vs. 86%).

Conclusion: The responsive app is a valuable additional tool for data collection and is well-accepted by patients as indicated by its increasing use in Rhekiss. Apart from desktop/browser developments, the technological adoptions within observational cohorts and registries should take smartphone requirements and developments into account, especially when patient-reported data in young, mobile patients are collected, bearing in mind that data quality could be compromised and concepts for improving data quality should be implemented.

[Management of HPV-induced cervical lesions in immunosuppressed patients - Review of the literature]

INTRODUCTION

Current French recommendations for the management of cervical lesions related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection are limited to general population. Patients who are immunocompromised appear to be at increased risk of induced HPV lesions. The objective of this review is to summarize the various existing data about risk of induced HPV lesions in immunocompromised patients to specify the management.

METHODS

The Medline database was searched through the Pubmed portal, as well as the recommendations of various international learned societies.

RESULTS

Situations with an increased risk are regardless of treatment: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, transplants, lupus. Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk only when immunosuppressive therapy is required. Screening for dysplasic intraepithelial lesions in HIV+ patients should be more sustained than in the general population. Due to lack of data, recommendations for other conditions have been extrapolated from the management of HIV+ patients. HPV vaccination is effective in these populations, particularly at times when the immune system is the most effective.

DISCUSSION

Identified immunocompromised populations are at higher risk of induced HPV lesions due to an incomplete immune response and should be screened on a sustained basis. In addition, HPV vaccination should be encouraged.

Differentiating between UCTD and early-stage SLE: from definitions to clinical approach

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations that can potentially affect every organ and system. SLE is usually identified on the basis of clinical or serological manifestations; however, some individuals can present with signs and symptoms that are consistent with SLE but are not sufficient for a definite diagnosis. Disease in these individuals can either progress over time to definite SLE or remain stable, in which case their disease is often described as intermediate, possible or probable SLE. Alternatively, such individuals might have undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD). Being able to differentiate between those with stable UCTD and those with SLE at an early stage is important to avoid irreversible target-organ damage from occurring. This Review provides insight into existing and evolving perceptions of the early stages of SLE, including clinical and mechanistic considerations, as well as potential paths towards early identification and intervention. Further research into the earliest phases of SLE will be important for the development of targeted diagnostic approaches and biomarkers for the identification of individuals with early disease who are likely to progress to definite SLE.

Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome From the Perspective of a Rheumatologist

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease that can lead to thrombotic or obstetric complications. Recent histopathological studies have shown the absence of placental thrombosis, leading to the consideration of other pathophysiological pathways such as inflammation and complement activation. Due to this, various clinical studies are being carried out with different drug agents in order to avoid their complications. The combination of prophylactic heparin treatment and low doses of aspirin today result in successful pregnancies in most cases. Despite this, a minority of patients require alternative therapies to avoid recurrent miscarriage and decrease obstetric morbidity. Thanks to the better understanding of its pathophysiology, other treatments such as low doses of glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), immunoglobulin, pravastatin, and plasmapheresis have been considered in refractory cases, achieving favorable results. Despite the great advances regarding its treatment, unfortunately, there are no treatments with a good level of evidence to reduce late obstetric complications. The evaluation of preconception risk factors, as well as the antiphospholipid antibody profile, is necessary to establish individual risk and thus anticipate possible complications.

Hydroxychloroquine PK and exposure-response in pregnancies with lupus: the importance of adherence for neonatal outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the impact of pregnancy physiology and medication non-adherence on serum hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) pharmacokinetics (PK) and exposure-response in SLE.

METHODS

We conducted a PK analysis using data from two observational pregnancy registries. We enrolled pregnant women with SLE taking HCQ at least 3 months prior to, and throughout pregnancy, and excluded those with multiple gestations. Using the PK model, we conducted dosing simulations and imputed 0%/20%/40%/60% non-adherence to evaluate the impact of adherence versus physiological changes on HCQ concentrations. We compared the effect of pregnancy-average non-adherent concentrations (≤100 ng/mL vs >100 ng/mL) on preterm birth using adjusted logistic regression.

RESULTS

We enrolled 56 women who had 61 pregnancies. By the third trimester, mean apparent HCQ clearance increased by 59.6%. At a dosage of 400 mg/day, fully adherent patients are expected to have HCQ concentrations ≤100 ng/mL only 0.3% of the time, compared with 24.2% when 60% of doses are missed. Persistently low HCQ concentrations throughout pregnancy were associated with a significantly higher odds of preterm birth, controlling for lupus nephritis and race (OR 11.2; 95% CI 2.3 to 54.2; p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed significant changes in HCQ PK during pregnancy, resulting in a shortening in the drug's half-life by 10 days; however, medication non-adherence had a more pronounced effect on HCQ exposure compared with physiological changes alone. Moreover, pregnant women with non-adherent HCQ concentrations had significantly higher rates of preterm birth. Accordingly, optimising adherence in pregnancy may be more clinically meaningful than adjusting HCQ dosage to account for physiological changes. PK modelling indicates that serum HCQ concentrations ≤100 ng/mL are suggestive of non-adherence regardless of trimester and may help identify pregnancies at risk for poor outcomes.

COVID-19 in Pregnant Women With Rheumatic Disease: Data From the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance

OBJECTIVE

To describe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pregnancy outcomes in patients with rheumatic disease who were pregnant at the time of infection.

METHODS

Since March 2020, the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance has collected cases of patients with rheumatic disease with COVID-19. We report details of pregnant women at the time of COVID-19 infection, including obstetric details separately ascertained from providers.

RESULTS

We report on 39 patients, including 22 with obstetric detail available. The mean and median age was 33 years, range 24-45 years. Rheumatic disease diagnoses included rheumatoid arthritis (n = 9), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 9), psoriatic arthritis/other inflammatory arthritides (n = 8), and antiphospholipid syndrome (n = 6). Most had a term birth (16/22), with 3 preterm births, 1 termination, and 1 miscarriage; 1 woman had yet to deliver at the time of report. One-quarter (n = 10/39) of pregnant women were hospitalized following COVID-19 diagnosis. Two of 39 (5%) required supplemental oxygen (both hospitalized); no patients died. The majority did not receive specific medication treatment for their COVID-19 (n = 32/39, 82%), and 7 patients received some combination of antimalarials, colchicine, anti-interleukin 1β, azithromycin, glucocorticoids, and lopinavir/ritonavir.

CONCLUSION

Women with rheumatic diseases who were pregnant at the time of COVID-19 had favorable outcomes. These data have limitations due to the small size and methodology; however, they provide cautious optimism for pregnancy outcomes for women with rheumatic disease particularly in comparison to the increased risk of poor outcomes that have been reported in other series of pregnant women with COVID-19.

Pregnancy outcomes between pregnant systemic lupus erythematosus patients with clinical remission and those with low disease activity: A comparative study

Objectives

This study aims to compare pregnancy outcomes between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who attained clinical remission based on the Definition of Remission in SLE (DORIS) and those with lupus low disease activity based on Low Lupus Disease Activity State (LLDAS).

Patients and methods

Between January 1993 and June 2017, a total of 90 pregnancies (one twin pregnancy) from 77 patients (mean age: 26.9±4.8 years; range, 17.9 to 37.3 years) were included in the study. The clinical remission and the LLDAS groups were modified into modified clinical remission and LLDAS groups, respectively by omitting Physician Global Assessment (PGA). The clinical SLE disease activity index (cSLEDAI) score was used for LLDAS.

Results

Pregnancies in 49 patients occurred, when they were in modified clinical remission and in 57 in modified LLDAS. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics, disease activity, or medication received at conception between the two groups. Pregnancy outcomes were similar between the modified clinical remission and the modified LLDAS groups in terms of successful pregnancy (83.67% vs. 84.21%), full-term births (38.78% vs. 38.60%), fetal losses (16.33% vs. 15.79%), spontaneous abortions (14.29% vs. 14.04%), small for gestational age infants (18.37% vs. 19.30%), low birth weight infants (42.86% vs. 40.35%), maternal complications (46.94% vs. 49.12%), and maternal flares (36.73% vs. 40.35%). The agreement of pregnancy outcomes was very high between the two groups (91.11% agreement).

Conclusion

Pregnancy outcomes in SLE patients who achieved modified clinical remission and modified LLDAS were comparable.

Fetal and maternal outcome in patients with active lupus nephritis: comparison between new-onset and pre-existing lupus nephritis

Background

This study aimed to investigate fetal and maternal outcomes in women with active lupus nephritis (LN). Specifically, we compared women who had new-onset LN and those with pre-existing LN during pregnancy.

Methods

Patients with active LN during pregnancy were divided into the new-onset group (LN first occurred during pregnancy) and the pre-existing group (a history of LN) on the basis of the onset time of LN. Data on clinical features, laboratory findings, and pregnancy outcome were collected and analyzed between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to compare the effects of active LN on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Results

We studied 73 pregnancies in 69 women between 2010 and 2019. Of these, 38 pregnancies were in the pre-existing LN group and 35 were in the new-onset group. Patients with pre-existing LN had a higher risk of composite adverse fetal outcomes than those with new-onset LN [adjusted odds ratio (ORs), 44.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21–1664.82; P = 0.039]. However, the two groups had similar adverse maternal outcomes (ORs, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.36–4.29). Serum albumin and proteinuria significantly improved after pregnancy (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the long-term renal outcome was similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Pregnant patients with pre-existing LN were associated with a higher risk of composite adverse fetal outcomes than those with new-onset LN. However, these two groups of patients had similar adverse maternal outcomes. The long-term renal outcomes were not different after pregnancy between these two groups.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-021-02633-2.

Combined treatment of prednisone and hydroxychloroquine may improve outcomes of frozen embryo transfer in antinuclear antibody-positive patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment

BACKGROUND

The influence of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) on induced ovulation was controversial, and the effect of prednisone plus hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment on frozen embryo transfer outcomes of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for ANA-positive women was unclear.

METHODS

Fifty ANA-positive women and one-hundred ANA-negative women matched for age and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were included from a Reproductive Medical Central of a University Hospital. Sixty-one oocytes pick-up (OPU) cycles in ANA+ group and one-hundred OPU cycles in ANA- group were compared; 30 frozen embryo transfer cycles without treatment and 66 with prednisone plus HCQ treatment among ANA-positive women were compared.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference in number of retrieved oocytes (13.66 ± 7.71 vs 13.72 ± 7.23, p = .445), available embryos (5.23 ± 3.37 vs 5.47 ± 3.26, p = .347), high-quality embryos (3.64 ± 3.25 vs 3.70 ± 3.52, p = .832), and proportion of high-quality embryos (26.5% vs. 26.7%, p = .940). Biochemical pregnancy rate (33.3% vs. 68.2%, p < .05), clinical pregnancy rate (20.0% vs. 50.1%, p < .05), and implantation rate (5.6% vs. 31.8%, p < .05) were lower, and pregnancy loss rate (83.3% vs. 23.1%, p < .05) was higher in patients with treatment than no treatment.

CONCLUSION

The influence of ANA on number of retrieved oocytes, available embryos, high-quality embryos, and proration of high-quality embryos was not found. The treatment of prednisone plus HCQ may improve implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate, and reduce pregnancy loss rate in frozen embryo transfer outcomes for ANA-positive women.

The Microbiota in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Update on the Potential Function of Probiotics

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a kind of chronic diffuse connective tissue illness characterized by multisystem and multiorgan involvement, repeated recurrence and remission, and the presence of a large pool of autoantibodies in the body. Although the exact cause of SLE is not thoroughly revealed, accumulating evidence has manifested that intake of probiotics alters the composition of the gut microbiome, regulating the immunomodulatory and inflammatory response, which may be linked to the disease pathogenesis. Particularly, documented experiments demonstrated that SLE patients have remarkable changes in gut microbiota compared to healthy controls, indicating that the alteration of microbiota may be implicated in different phases of SLE. In this review, the alteration of microbiota in the development of SLE is summarized, and the mechanism of intestinal microbiota on the progression of immune and inflammatory responses in SLE is also discussed. Due to limited reports on the effects of probiotics supplementation in SLE patients, we emphasize advancements made in the last few years on the function and mechanisms of probiotics in the development of SLE animal models. Besides, we follow through literature to survey whether probiotics supplements can be an adjuvant therapy for comprehensive treatment of SLE. Research has indicated that intake of probiotics alters the composition of the gut microbiome, contributing to prevent the progression of SLE. Adjustment of the gut microbiome through probiotics supplementation seems to alleviate SLE symptoms and their cardiovascular and renal complications in animal models, marking this treatment as a potentially novel approach.

The Complement System, T Cell Response, and Cytokine Shift in Normotensive versus Pre-Eclamptic and Lupus Pregnancy

Successful pregnancy requires an immunological shift with T helper CD4⁺ bias based on disbalance Th1/Th17 versus Th2/T regulatory (Tregs) required to induce tolerance against the semi-allogeneic fetus and placenta and to support fetal growth. Considered a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder, pre-eclampsia is characterized by multifaceted organ involvement related to impaired maternal immune tolerance to paternal antigens triggered by hypoxic placental injury as well as excessive local and systemic anti-angiogenic and inflammatory factor synthesis. Both systemic and local Th1/Th2 shift further expands to Th17 cells and their cytokines (IL-17) complemented by suppressive Treg and Th2 cytokines (IL-10, IL-4); alterations in Th17 and Tregs cause hypertension during pregnancy throughout vasoactive factors and endothelial dysfunction, providing an explanatory link between immunological and vascular events in the pathobiology of pre-eclamptic pregnancy. Apart from immunological changes representative of normotensive pregnancy, lupus pregnancy is generally defined by higher serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, lower Th2 polarization, defective and lower number of Tregs, potential blockade of complement inhibitors by anti-phospholipid antibodies, and similar immune alterations to those seen in pre-eclampsia. The current review underpins the immune mechanisms of pre-eclampsia focusing on local (placental) and systemic (maternal) aberrant adaptive and innate immune response versus normotensive pregnancy and pregnancy in systemic autoimmune conditions, particularly lupus.

Early Sexual Health and Reproductive Implications in Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases

A comprehensive review of reproductive health subtopics, including puberty, menarche, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gynecologic cancers as they pertain to patients with pediatric rheumatic diseases and those who care for them. Rheumatic disease medications and their effect on reproductive health across childhood and adolescence are also reviewed.

Indications for fertility preservation not included in the 2017 Japan Society of Clinical Oncology Guideline for Fertility Preservation in Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients treated with gonadal toxicity, including benign diseases

In recent years, local governments in Japan have established a public financial support system for fertility preservation in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients. Fertility preservation has become popular for patients with cancers included in the gonadal toxicity risk classification of the 2017 edition of the Guideline for Fertility Preservation in Children, Adolescents and Young Adult Cancer Patients from the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology. However, patients with cancer and non-cancer diseases that are not included in the Guideline's gonadal toxicity risk classification also often receive treatment that may affect fertility, but they are often denied the opportunity of fertility preservation because no public financial support is available for diseases not listed in the Guideline. The national research project proposes including these diseases in the indications and treatment for fertility preservation. Therefore, we cooperated with the Japan Society for Fertility Preservation and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare research group to solicit opinions from experts in each therapeutic area and reviewed the literature and overseas guidelines. This paper summarizes the findings of the project. We believe that it will be an important source of information for clinicians treating patients who need fertility preservation but note that the appropriateness of fertility preservation for the disorders listed in this report needs to be continuously reviewed as medical care advances.

Impact of menopause on women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic and systemic inflammation affecting multiple organ systems, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to the SLE-associated hyperinflammatory state. SLE shows a strong female predominance, suggesting a potential role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of the disease. Evidence suggests an earlier age of menopause among women with SLE, despite mixed findings regarding other markers of ovarian aging. In healthy populations, the menopausal transition is associated with important physiologic changes resulting in increased cardiometabolic risk and risk of osteoporosis. Thus, women with SLE who experience the inflammatory effects of the autoimmune condition combined with the (potentially earlier) menopausal transition may represent a particularly vulnerable group of individuals during a particular window of time. Little is known, however, about strategies for cardiovascular risk or bone loss mitigation in women with SLE during the menopausal transition. Further, despite lack of knowledge regarding the burden of menopausal symptoms in women with SLE, existing recommendations provide only cautionary guidance for the use of hormone replacement therapy to address menopausal symptoms in this population. Importantly, the data regarding both SLE and menopause-associated cardiovascular and osteoporotic risk demonstrate the critical need for additional research to identify the type and timing of treatments or interventions needed to best mitigate this increased risk.

Angiogenic markers could predict adverse pregnancy outcomes

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) have been a devastating actuality in clinic. However, the pre-onset risk factors, that correlated with pregnancy failure, including antiphospholipid antibodies (APLs) and angiogenic factors, remain unclear. A retrospective study was performed in this research, and data from 145 pregnant women were collected during their pregnancy. Patients were finally divided into non-APO group (n = 89) and APO group (n = 56) according to their pregnancy outcomes. The associations among their characteristics, laboratory tests, therapies, and outcomes were analyzed. Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with APOs showed significant prevalence of lupus anticoagulant (LAC) positive (P < 0.001), antiphospholipid syndrome (P = 0.030), and heparin prior to pregnancy (P = 0.041). LAC positive was correlated with shorter gestational age (P = 0.043) and gestational weeks of pre-term delivery (P = 0.011). Increased ratio of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1/placental growth factor in pregnancies with APLs was correlated with the APOs and worse neonatal outcomes, including gestational age (P = 0.028), fetal death (P = 0.011), gestational weeks of pre-term delivery (P = 0.002), and birth weight percentile (P = 0.016). Angiogenic markers in pregnancies with APLs were correlated with the incidence of APOs.

Optimizing reproductive health management in lupus and Sjogren's syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

People with childbearing capacity who are diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) have specific and important reproductive health considerations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recommendations from the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) provide rheumatologists and other clinicians with guidance for reproductive health management of patients with rheumatic diseases. Patient-centered reproductive health counseling can help clinicians to operationalize the EULAR and ACR guidelines and enhance patient care.

SUMMARY

Disease activity monitoring, risk factor stratification, and prescription of pregnancy-compatible medications during pregnancy help to anticipate complications and enhance pregnancy outcomes in SLE and SS. Assisted reproductive technologies are also safe among people with well-controlled disease. Safe and effective contraceptive methods are available for patients with SLE and SS, and pregnancy termination appears to be safe among these patients.

The efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine in pregnant patients with IgA nephropathy: A retrospective cohort study

AIM

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is used to control proteinuria in IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) However, its efficacy and safety in pregnant IgAN patients remains unknown. This study aimed to verify the safety of HCQ in pregnant IgAN patients and compare renal function and pregnancy outcomes with those of patients not treated with HCQ.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all pregnant IgAN patients and singleton gestations at Peking University First Hospital from 2003-2021. Patients who did and did not receive HCQ treatment during pregnancy were compared.

RESULTS

We found no significant pre- or post-pregnancy differences in proteinuria or renal function between the two groups. However, the HCQ (+) group had higher proteinuria at the time of kidney biopsy (2.04 [1.26, 2.56] g/d vs. 0.80 [0.44, 1.11] g/d, P < .001); the proteinuria level at HCQ therapy initiation was also higher than that at the beginning of pregnancy (1.87 [1.30, 2.59] g/d vs. 1.08 [0.75, 1.50] g/d, P = .001). Despite no difference in preterm birth, birth weight, preeclampsia or postpartum haemorrhage, the proportion of patients with a previous history of spontaneous abortion was higher in the HCQ (+) group than in the HCQ (-) group (48.0% vs. 20.6%, P = .010). The eGFR (regression coefficient, 0.981; 95%CI 0.964-0.998) was a predictive factor for obstetrical complications.

CONCLUSION

HCQ is safe for IgAN treatment during pregnancy with effective reduction of proteinuria. HCQ might also be helpful in patients with a history of spontaneous abortion.

Relevance of systematic anti-nuclear antibodies testing after obstetrical complications

Adverses pregnancy outcomes are commonly encountered with autoimmune disease (AID). Although anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are often present several years before AID diagnosis, the importance of ANA testing has not been evaluated in this context. The objective of this study was to determine if ANA discovery after obstetrical complications is associated with a diagnosis of AID and improves the prognosis of subsequent pregnancies. All patients presented at the multidisciplinary board meeting (MBM) "Thrombophilia and Pregnancy", whose ANA were discovered after an obstetrical complication, were included in a multicenter descriptive study. All patients were referred to an internal medicine consultation for diagnosis. Data were collected retrospectively by computer chart analysis and updated by phone. A total of 404 patients were included, of which 50 (12.4 %) had a diagnosis of AID related to ANA. Patients with AID had higher ANA levels (p < 0.001), with more frequent specificity (26%, versus 6.7%, p < 0.0001), and more often persistent (84% versus 30.8%, p < 0.0001) compared to patients without AID. Subsequent pregnancy outcomes were not significantly affected by ANA levels and AID diagnoses. Our study shows that the discovery of ANA after obstetrical complications may lead to an early diagnosis of AID. It makes us reconsider the systematic determination of ANA after an obstetrical event because in the case where ANA are found positive, an adapted follow-up would reduce the negative impact of ANA presence on subsequent pregnancies.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy: A retrospective single-center study of 215 pregnancies from Portugal

OBJECTIVE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a life-threatening disorder that affects women at reproductive age. We evaluate the clinical impact of pregnancy in a cohort of Portuguese SLE patients and the risk factors associated with maternal and fetal adverse outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study that included all pregnant women with SLE managed at a Portuguese tertiary hospital, between January 1993 and December 2019. Baseline maternal information was collected, and maternal-fetal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. Disease activity before and during pregnancy was assessed.

RESULTS

We included 215 pregnancies from 143 patients. Lupus nephritis was present in 20.0% and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in 21.9% of the cases. Preconception consultation was performed in 86.9% of the pregnancies, and 92.5% of the patients had no or low disease activity at conception. During gestation, 79.6% of the patients were under treatment, and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was the most commonly used drug (63.7%). Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was prescribed at conception in 87.9% of the patients. The live birth rate was 84.2%. An adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) occurred in 41.4% of the pregnancies. A miscarriage rate of 15.3% and a preterm delivery rate of 15.4% were found. Preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction complicated 13.1% and 14.0% of the gestations, respectively. Neonatal lupus occurred in 7.1% of the newborns, and there were 2 cases of congenital heart block. Significant risk factors for the development of AOP were disease activity at conception, lupus flare, hypocomplementemia, positivity for lupus anticoagulant, and APS. The use of ASA was significantly associated with a reduced incidence of miscarriage. An SLE flare was diagnosed in 16.3% of the cases. We identified as risk factors for lupus flares the presence of active disease at conception, a previous history of lupus nephritis, and the use of chronic medication. HCQ use during pregnancy was associated with a significant reduction of flare incidence during pregnancy and postpartum.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy in an SLE patient is associated with an increased incidence of adverse obstetric outcomes. Good disease control before pregnancy and adequate treatment, especially with HCQ, is crucial to achieving the best obstetric results.