Systemic lupus erythematosus in pregnancy

Impact of in utero environment on the offspring of lupus patients

The number of patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that decide to have children has greatly increased probably because of recent improvements in the diagnosis and management of the disease. This has stimulated our interest in defining the outcome of children, focusing both on neonatal problems and long term development. SLE patients still carry a risk of pregnancy loss. However, due to careful monitoring and treatment by a multidisciplinary team, the number of losses has dramatically decreased, but an increased number of preterm deliveries is still a problem. Neonatal lupus is linked to the presence of anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies in the mother, although other factors probably of fetal origin are important. Neonatal lupus is a complex condition whose most serious manifestation is the congenital heart block (CHB). Usually, children with complete CHB need permanent pacing, but apparently do not have neuropsychological problems. Studies focusing on the neuropsychological development of SLE offspring show an increased number of learning disabilities in children with normal intelligence levels. Fetal consequence of maternal treatment need to be considered choosing non teratogenic drugs, but the withdrawal of medications just because the patient is pregnant should be avoided to avoid SLE flares.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy

Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) face significant risks when embarking on a pregnancy, but attending a multidisciplinary clinic staffed by an experienced team can improve pregnancy outcome for women and their babies. Pregnancy in SLE should be planned and a management strategy should be agreed in full consultation with the patient, prior to conception. Pregnancy increases the likelihood of a lupus flare. It is not possible to predict when, or if, an individual patient will flare, although flare is more likely if disease has been active within 6 months of conception. Worsening of proteinuria in pregnancy could herald a lupus flare, but the differential diagnosis also includes the physiological response to pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. Corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine are safe to use in pregnancy, with no adverse fetal effects reported despite many years of experience with their use. Correct identification of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome is important because treatment of affected women during pregnancy can improve fetal and maternal outcome. Neonatal SLE, although rare, carries a significant mortality and morbidity when the fetal heart is the targeted organ. Prophylaxis therapies, including treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, await larger trials.