Lupus Low Disease Activity State Achievement Is Important for Reducing Adverse Outcomes in Pregnant Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Construction and application of fetal loss risk model in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with mild disease severity

BACKGROUND

This dynamic nomogram model was developed to predict the probability of fetal loss in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with mild disease severity before conception.

METHODS

An analysis was conducted on 314 pregnancy records of patients with SLE who were hospitalized between January 2015 and January 2022 at Shenzhen People's Hospital, and the Longhua Branch of Shenzhen People's Hospital. Data from the Longhua Branch of the Shenzhen People's Hospital were utilized as an independent external validation cohort. The nomogram, a widely used statistical visualization tool to predict disease onset, progression, prognosis, and survival, was created after feature selection using multivariate logistic regression analysis. To evaluate the model prediction performance, we employed the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

Lupus nephritis, complement 3, immunoglobulin G, serum albumin, C-reactive protein, and hydroxychloroquine were all included in the nomogram model. The model demonstrated good calibration and discriminatory power, with an area under the curve of 0.867 (95% confidence interval: 0.787-0.947). According to decision curve analysis, the nomogram model exhibited clinical importance when the probability of fetal loss in patients with SLE ranged between 10 and 70%. The predictive ability of the model was demonstrated through external validation.

CONCLUSION

The predictive nomogram approach may facilitate precise management of pregnant patients with SLE with mild disease severity before conception.

Effect of remission, clinical remission with active serology, and glucocorticoid dosage on the pregnancy outcome of pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Remission is a key treatment target in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) management. Given the direct correlation between lupus flares and elevated risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), securing remission before conception becomes crucial. However, the association between clinical remission with active serology, and the risk of APOs is not thoroughly understood. Additionally, determining the optimal glucocorticoid dosage during pregnancy to mitigate APO risks remains under-researched. This study investigated the risk of APOs in relation to remission/serological activity status in patients in clinical remission/glucocorticoid dosage.

METHODS

Pregnant patients with SLE, who were followed up at two Japanese tertiary referral centers, and had their remission status assessed at conception, were included in this study. We categorized the patients into two groups based on whether they achieved Zen/Doria remission at conception and analyzed the APO ratio. We also examined the influence of serological activity in pregnant patients with clinical remission and analyzed the optimal glucocorticoid dosage to minimize the APO ratio.

RESULTS

Of the 96 pregnancies included, 59 achieved remission at conception. Pregnant patients who achieved remission showed a significant decrease in the APO ratio compared with those who did not. (overall APO: odds ratio (OR) 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11-0.65, p < 0.01, maternal APO: OR 0.34, 95%CI 0.13-0.85, p = 0.021, neonatal APO: OR 0.39, 95%CI 0.17-0.90, p = 0.028). Conversely, no statistical difference was observed in the APO ratio based on serological activity in pregnant patients with clinical remission. (overall APO: OR 0.62, 95%CI 0.21-1.79, p = 0.37, maternal APO: OR 1.25, 95%CI 0.32-4.85, p = 0.75, neonatal APO: OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.29-2.39, p = 0.73). A glucocorticoid dose of prednisolone equivalent ≥ 7.5 mg/day at conception correlated with increased APO. (overall APO: OR 3.01, 95%CI 1.23-7.39, p = 0.016, neonatal APO: OR 2.98, 95% CI:1.23-7.22, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Even with active serology, achieving clinical remission can be a clinical target for reducing APOs in patients who wish to conceive. In addition, if clinically feasible, reducing the glucocorticoid dosage to < 7.5 mg/day before conception could be another predictive factor.

Adverse Impact of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Saudi Arabia Retrospective Multi-Center Study

Objective

The current study aimed to determine the pregnancy outcomes complications in patients with SLE and its association with clinical, laboratory variables, disease activity, and medication use in the Saudi population, as well as pregnancy effect on disease activity.

Methods

A multicenter study included pregnant female patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) from three tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia. The demographics, clinical, and laboratory variables, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), medication before, during, and after pregnancy, planned pregnancy, pregnancy-related outcomes, and complications in comparison to age-matched healthy female controls were noted.

Results

A total of 66 pregnant patients with SLE and 93 healthy age-matched pregnant controls were included in the study. A total of 77.3% had SLEDAI-2K ≤ 4 before conception, and 84.85% of pregnancies were planned. Age of conception, cesarean section, miscarriage, and low birth weight were statistically significant (p <0.05) higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls. Among all clinical and laboratory variables, SLEDAI-2K > 4 and active lupus nephritis during pregnancy were statistically associated with adverse outcomes (p <0.05), history of lupus nephritis was not associated with statistically adverse pregnancy outcomes. Higher SLEDAI-2K > 4 was an independent risk at least 4.87 times higher association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. (p <0.05).

Conclusion

SLE is intricately connected with unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. The preconception of high disease activity stands as a pivotal risk factor for adverse outcomes. Despite the disease remission and meticulous planning, SLE patients frequently grapple with disease exacerbations during pregnancy, culminating in unexpected and unfavorable pregnancy-related outcomes. This underscores the intricate and multifaceted nature of managing SLE during gestation.

Identifying pregnancy episodes and estimating the last menstrual period using an administrative database in Korea: an application to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES

This study developed an algorithm for identifying pregnancy episodes and estimating the last menstrual period (LMP) in an administrative claims database and applied it to investigate the use of pregnancy-incompatible immunosuppressants among pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

An algorithm was developed and applied to a nationwide claims database in Korea. Pregnancy episodes were identified using a hierarchy of pregnancy outcomes and clinically plausible periods for subsequent episodes. The LMP was estimated using preterm delivery, sonography, and abortion procedure codes. Otherwise, outcome-specific estimates were applied, assigning a fixed gestational age to the corresponding pregnancy outcome. The algorithm was used to examine the prevalence of pregnancies and utilization of pregnancy-incompatible immunosuppressants (cyclophosphamide [CYC]/mycophenolate mofetil [MMF]/methotrexate [MTX]) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during pregnancy in SLE patients.

RESULTS

The pregnancy outcomes identified in SLE patients included live births (67%), stillbirths (2%), and abortions (31%). The LMP was mostly estimated with outcome-specific estimates for full-term births (92.3%) and using sonography procedure codes (54.7%) and preterm delivery diagnosis codes (37.9%) for preterm births. The use of CYC/MMF/MTX decreased from 7.6% during preconception to 0.2% at the end of pregnancy. CYC/MMF/MTX use was observed in 3.6% of women within 3 months preconception and 2.5% during 0-7 weeks of pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents the first pregnancy algorithm using a Korean administrative claims database. Although further validation is necessary, this study provides a foundation for evaluating the safety of medications during pregnancy using secondary databases in Korea, especially for rare diseases.

Pregnancy outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus: experience from a Caribbean center

BACKGROUND

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune multi-system disorder frequently affecting black women of childbearing age. No published data exist on the obstetric outcomes in a Caribbean population.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed pregnancy outcomes in an Afro-Caribbean cohort of women with SLE at a tertiary university hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed of all pregnant women with SLE prior to pregnancy from January 1990 to December 2021 at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Jamaica. Maternal rheumatologic, obstetric, fetal/neonatal data were analyzed. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. To determine if outcomes were associated with various factors, Spearman's rho was followed by logistic regression analysis to estimate unadjusted odds ratios with statistical significance at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 56 pregnancies in 47 women were identified with SLE. Live births were 87.5%, with 10.7% spontaneous miscarriages and no neonatal deaths. Prednisone was the most used drug in 67.9% of patients. 85% of women had an adverse outcome with an adverse fetal outcome occurring in 55% of cases. Prednisone was associated with an adverse fetal/neonatal outcome (Spearman's rho = 0.38; p = .004).

CONCLUSION

In this first Caribbean series on SLE in pregnancy, reasonably successful pregnancy outcomes are achievable in Afro-Caribbean women managed in multidisciplinary centers.

Low disease activity state associated with fewer incident vertebral fractures in Mestizo women with systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Low disease activity state (LDAS) has been linked to a significant reduction in flares and damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the effect of LDAS on the risk of vertebral fractures (VFs) in subjects with SLE is unknown, considering that low bone mineral density (BMD) and VF are frequent in SLE.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate whether achieving LDAS ≥50% of the observation time prevents new VF and BMD changes in Mestizo women.

METHODS

We carried out a longitudinal, observational, and retrospective study. Mestizo women with SLE were included for a median of an 8-year follow-up. LDAS was described as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score ≤4, prednisone ≤7.5 mg/day, and stable immunosuppressive therapies. BMD measurements and lateral thoracic and lumbar radiographs for a semiquantitative analysis for VF were assessed at baseline and during the follow-up. Uni- and multivariable interval-censored survival regression models were carried out.

RESULTS

We included 110 patients: 35 (31.8%) had new VF. A total of 56 patients (50.1%) achieved LDAS ≥50% of the time during the follow-up and achieved a significantly lesser risk of incident VF (HR = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.49). After adjusting by age, BMI, menopause, prevalent VF, baseline BMD, cumulative glucocorticoid use, and anti-osteoporotic therapy, LDAS-50 was significantly related to a decrease in the risk of a new VF (HR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16-0.98). There was no association between LDAS and BMD measurement changes. When only patients on LDAS but not in remission (n = 43) were evaluated for the risk of incident VF, both uni- and multivariate analyses were significant (HR = 0.12; 95 CI, 0.04-47; p = 0.001, and HR = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.7-0.88; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

LDAS ≥50% of the time was significantly associated with a diminished risk of new VF in Mestizo women with SLE, even in patients not in remission. However, LDAS did not help modify BMD changes over time.

2022 Chinese guideline for the management of pregnancy and reproduction in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prevalent autoimmune disease predominantly affecting women of childbearing age, presents ongoing challenges despite notable advances in diagnosis and treatment. Although survival rates for SLE patients have significantly improved, pregnancy continues to pose a considerable obstacle. Addressing this critical need for enhanced reproductive and prenatal care, there is a pressing imperative to establish standardized protocols for peri-gestational monitoring and treatment in SLE patients. This guideline is jointly sponsored by the National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), the Chinese Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), and the Chinese Research Committee of Pregnancy and Reproduction in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (CHOPARD). Thirteen pertinent clinical questions have been generated through several rounds of rigorous clinical and methodological expert discussions and selections for a comprehensive understanding of key aspects in this domain. Guided by thorough examination of research evidence and expert perspectives, the formulated recommendations aim to optimize pregnancy success rates, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, and ultimately enhance the overall well-being of SLE patients.

Immunological disease activity parameters at conception are risk factors for preterm birth and low birth weight in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify which disease activity parameters may be risk factors for preterm birth (PB) and low birth weight (LBW) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We also analyzed the extent to which these parameters affected PB and LBW.

METHODS

We collected the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), the rate of lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) attainment, complement levels, and the titer of anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody as disease activity parameters. We retrospectively analyzed the associations of these parameters with PB and LBW.

RESULTS

Sixty pregnancies were included in this study. C3 levels and anti-dsDNA antibody titers at conception were strongly associated with PB (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively), whereas C3 and CH50 levels were associated with LBW (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). A logistic regression analysis showed that the cutoff values of C3 and anti-dsDNA antibody for PB were 62.0 mg/dl and 5.4 IU/ml, respectively. The cutoff values of C3 and CH50 for LBW were 87.0 mg/dl and 41.8 U/ml, respectively. The risk of PB or LBW was increased when divided by the cutoff value, and the combination of these cutoff values showed a significantly higher risk of PB and LBW (p = 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

PB and LBW are strongly associated with disease activity parameters in patients with SLE. Therefore, strictly monitoring and controlling these disease activity parameters, with or without clinical manifestation, is important for women who want to become mothers.

Safety of tacrolimus use during pregnancy and related pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A retrospective single-center analysis in Japan

OBJECTIVE

Tacrolimus is one of the drugs that can be used in pregnancies complicated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but there are still few reports on its pregnancy outcomes. Although tacrolimus has been reported to cause adverse events, such as increased blood pressure, abnormal glucose metabolism, and susceptibility to infection, there have been no studies on the impact of tacrolimus in SLE pregnancies at these points. We performed a retrospective observational study of pregnancies complicated by SLE at St Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo from April 2003 to August 2021.

METHODS

Basic clinical information on SLE, pregnancy outcomes, disease activity before and after pregnancy, laboratory results, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, treatment regimens, and presence of infection was extracted from electronic medical records. We defined overall adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) as follows: (1) fetal death after 10 gestational weeks, (2) preterm delivery, (3) delivery due to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preeclampsia, or placental insufficiency, or (4) the diagnosis of small for gestational age infants. We also examined whether there was a statistical difference in APO incidence between patients treated with and without tacrolimus.

RESULTS

Pregnancy outcomes were obtained for 48 patients with a total of 60 pregnancies complicated by SLE. In 20 (33.3%) of these pregnancies, the patients took tacrolimus, and 28 (46.7%) of the pregnancies had APOs. APO incidence did not statistically differ between the tacrolimus and non-tacrolimus groups in the multivariate analysis (p = 1.00, adjusted OR 1, 95% CI: 0.23-4.39). Multiple regression analyses indicated that tacrolimus use did not significantly affect systolic blood pressure in the third trimester (B = -2.23, p = .74) or blood glucose levels in the first trimester (B = 10.2, p = .056). Incidence of infections did not significantly differ between patients treated with and without tacrolimus in the univariate analysis (10.8% vs. 21.1%, p = .42).

CONCLUSION

Tacrolimus did not significantly affect pregnancy outcomes, blood pressure, or glucose levels. Further research is required to confirm its effects in a larger population.

Machine Learning Models for Predicting Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Predicting adverse outcomes is essential for pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to minimize risks. Applying statistical analysis may be limited for the small sample size of childbearing patients, while the informative medical records could be provided. This study aimed to develop predictive models applying machine learning (ML) techniques to explore more information. We performed a retrospective analysis of 51 pregnant women exhibiting SLE, including 288 variables. After correlation analysis and feature selection, six ML models were applied to the filtered dataset. The efficiency of these overall models was evaluated by the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve. Meanwhile, real-time models with different timespans based on gestation were also explored. Eighteen variables demonstrated statistical differences between the two groups; more than forty variables were screened out by ML variable selection strategies as contributing predictors, while the overlap of variables were the influential indicators testified by the two selection strategies. The Random Forest (RF) algorithm demonstrated the best discrimination ability under the current dataset for overall predictive models regardless of the data missing rate, while Multi-Layer Perceptron models ranked second. Meanwhile, RF achieved best performance when assessing the real-time predictive accuracy of models. ML models could compensate the limitation of statistical methods when the small sample size problem happens along with numerous variables acquired, while RF classifier performed relatively best when applied to such structured medical records.

Preparing for Pregnancy in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus—A Multidisciplinary Approach

Pregnancy is one of the most challenging processes the human body is exposed to: the healthy mother can carry to term a genetically different new-born, while her immune system adapts to tolerate this new status and avoids rejection. In autoimmune disorders, motherhood is even more challenging, with additional medical counselling, mother care, and foetus development checks being necessary. While the aspects of supplementary mother care and pregnancy progress tracking are associated with well-established medical procedures and protocols, counselling, be it pre- or post-conception, is still underestimated and scarcely applied. Indeed, over the past decades, medical counselling for this particular population has changed significantly, but from a healthcare’s provider point of view, more is required to ensure a smooth, controllable pregnancy evolution. One of the most frequent autoimmune diseases affecting young females during their fertile years is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Like other heterogenous diseases, it exposes the mother to severe, organ-threatening complications and unpredictable evolution. Both the disease and its treatment can significantly affect the mother’s willingness to engage in a potentially risky pregnancy, as well as the likeliness to carry it to term without any impairments. A good collaboration between the patient’s rheumatologist and obstetrician is therefore mandatory in order to: (a) allow the mother to make an informed decision on pursuing with the pregnancy; (b) ensure a perfect synchronization between pregnancy terms and treatment; and (c) avoid or minimize potential complications. The best approach to achieve these outcomes is pregnancy planning. Moreover, knowing one desired prerequisite for a successful pregnancy evolution in SLE mothers is a stable, inactive, quiescent disease for at least six months prior to conception, planning becomes more than a recommended procedure. One particular aspect that requires attention before conception is the treatment scheme applied before delivery as autoantibodies can influence significantly the course of pregnancy. In this view, future SLE mothers should ideally benefit from preconception counselling within their agreed care pathway. A multidisciplinary team including at least the rheumatologist and obstetrician should be employed throughout the pregnancy, to decide on the appropriate timing of conception and compatible medication with respect to disease activity, as well as to monitor organ involvement and foetus development progress.

Erythrocyte complement receptor 1 (ECR1) and erythrocyte-bound C4d (EC4d) in the prediction of poor pregnancy outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

BACKGROUND

Complement activation has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) in SLE. Pregnant women with SLE were studied to evaluate whether complement dysregulation within the first two pregnancy trimesters predicts APO.

METHODS

Pregnant women fulfilled classification criteria for SLE. APO included neonatal death, preterm delivery before 36 weeks and small for gestational age newborn. Pre-eclampsia was also evaluated. Erythrocyte complement receptor 1 (ECR1) and erythrocyte-bound C4d (EC4d) were measured by flow cytometry. Complement proteins C3 and C4 were measured by immunoturbidimetry and anti-double-stranded DNA by ELISA in serum. Statistical analysis consisted of t-test, confusion matrix-derived diagnostic analysis, and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Fifty-one women had 57 pregnancies and 169 visits during the study. Baseline visits occurred mainly in the first (n=32) and second trimester (n=21). Fourteen (24.6%) pregnancies resulted in 21 APO with preterm delivery being the most common (n=10). ECR1 <5.5 net mean fluorescence intensity in the first trimester predicted APO with a diagnostic OR (DOR) of 18.33 (95% CI: 2.39 to 140.4; t-test p=0.04). Other individual biomarkers did not reach statistical significance. To estimate the likelihood of APO, we developed an algorithm that included the week of pregnancy, ECR1 and EC4d. From this algorithm, a Pregnancy Adversity Index (PAI) was calculated, and a PAI >0 indicated an elevated likelihood of pregnancy complications (DOR: 20.0 (95% CI: 3.64 to 109.97)).

CONCLUSIONS

Low levels of ECR1 in early or mid-pregnancy are predictive of an APO. Incorporating the weeks of gestation and both ECR1 and EC4d generated a PAI, which further predicted serious pregnancy complications.

Does expert opinion match the definition of lupus low disease activity state? Prospective analysis of 500 patients from a Spanish multicentre cohort

OBJECTIVES

To apply the lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) definition within a large cohort of patients and to assess the agreement between the LLDAS and the physician's subjective evaluation of lupus activity.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective multicentre study of SLE patients. We applied the LLDAS and assessed whether there was agreement with the clinical status according to the physician's opinion.

RESULTS

A total of 508 patients [92% women; mean age 50.4 years (s.d. 3.7)] were recruited and 304 (62.7%) patients were in the LLDAS. According to physician assessment, 430 (86.1%) patients were classified as remission or low activity. Overall agreement between both evaluations was 71.4% (95% CI: 70.1, 70.5) with a Cohen's κ of 0.3 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.22-0.37]. Most cases (96.1%) in the LLDAS were classified as remission or low activity by the expert. Of the patients who did not fulfil the LLDAS, 126 (70.4%) were classified as having remission/low disease activity. The main reasons for these discrepancies were the presence of new manifestations compared with the previous visit and a SLEDAI 2K score >4, mainly based on serological activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost two-thirds of SLE patients were in the LLDAS. There was a fair correlation between the LLDAS and the physician's evaluation. This agreement improves for patients fulfilling the LLDAS criteria. The discordance between both at defining lupus low activity, the demonstrated association of the LLDAS with better outcomes and the fact that the LLDAS is more stringent than the physician's opinion imply that we should use the LLDAS as a treat-to-target goal.

Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects women more frequently than men, similar to the female predilection for other autoimmune diseases. Moreover, male patients with SLE exhibit different clinical features than female patients. Sex-associated differences in SLE required special considerations for disease management such as during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Sex hormones, namely, estrogen and testosterone, are known to affect immune responses and autoimmunity. While estrogen and progesterone promote type I immune response, and testosterone enhances T-helper 1 response. Sex hormones also influence Toll-like receptor pathways, and estrogen receptor signaling is involved in the activation and tolerance of immune cells. Further, the clinical features of SLE vary according to hormonal changes in female patients. Alterations in sex hormones during pregnancy can alter the disease activity of SLE, which is associated with pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, HRT may change SLE status. Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of SLE; thus, understanding the occurrence and exacerbation of disease caused by sex hormones is necessary to improve its management.

Pregnancy-related complications in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease that predominantly affects women of childbearing age and results in various adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Pregnancy was formerly discouraged in patients with SLE because of unstable disease activity during the gestation period, increased thrombosis risk, severe organ damage, and inevitable side effects of immunosuppressive agents. Currently, most patients with SLE have successful pregnancies due to preconception counselling, strict monitoring, and improved therapy with minimised complications for both the mother and foetus. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is extensively used and is beneficial for improving pregnancy outcomes. However, pregnant women with SLE have a high-risk of APOs, such as disease flare, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia, and pregnancy loss. Better understanding of the changes in maternal immunity and serum biomarkers, as well as their relationships with SLE-related APOs progression, would facilitate the investigation of molecular mechanisms for triggering and ameliorating APOs. Furthermore, it would enable us to explore and develop novel and effective therapeutic strategies to prevent disease activation. Therefore, this review briefly introduces the interaction between pregnancy outcomes and SLE, elucidates pathophysiological and immunological changes during SLE pregnancy. Furthermore, this review systematically expounds on the effective predictors of APOs and the molecular mechanisms underlying the SLE-related APOs to provide a solid foundation for the advanced management of lupus pregnancy.

Implementation of Personalized Scenic Spot Recommendation Algorithm Based on Generalized Regression Neural Network for 5G Smart Tourism System

On the basis of the analysis of the evolution dynamics and the process of smart tourism service, this paper constructs the evolutionary game model of smart tourism service and reveals the evolution mechanism of smart tourism service based on the network platform. Based on the strategic main line of “advantages,” it proposes the design ideas and overall framework of the smart tourism service model based on the network platform, including the smart tourism information interactive service model, the element collaborative service model, and the value cocreation service model. The comparison of recommendation results shows that the recommendation error of the genetically improved generalized regression neural network algorithm is reduced, and the recommendation accuracy is better than that of the unimproved generalized regression neural network algorithm. In the recommendation scenario of click-through rate recommendation, the existing recommendation models are difficult to meet the functions of memory and generalization at the same time and cannot fully mine and combine low-level features, and the model parameters of the deep learning model are difficult to learn under the high-dimensional sparse data set of the recommendation system. To solve the problem of generalization, this paper proposes a deep CTR recommendation model based on the gradient boosting tree and factorization machine. It can fully mine low-level feature information and automatically realize low-level feature combination, which can better learn model parameters on high-dimensional sparse data sets, and the recommendation results are no longer overgeneralized. In this paper, simulation experiments are carried out on the data set, and the related recommendation models are compared. The experimental results show that the model proposed in this paper achieves better results in both the AUC (area under ROC curve) evaluation index and the cross-entropy evaluation index.

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.

Reproductive concerns and contributing factors in women of childbearing age with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES

Reproductive concerns are common in women of childbearing age with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with inadequate disclosure. This study aimed to investigate the contributing factors of reproductive concerns and to evaluate their impact on health-related quality of life.

METHODS

One hundred eighty women of childbearing age with SLE were enrolled in this cross-sectional study in Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from March 2021 to December 2021. A series of questionnaires were conducted: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), Family Assessment Device (APGAR), the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), the Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and the Chinese version of Reproductive Concerns After Cancer (RCAC). Independent t test, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson/Spearman, and multiple linear stepwise regression were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The results indicated that female SLE patients were more concerned about the child's health and personal health than becoming pregnant, fertility potential, partner disclose and acceptance; SLE patients with the characteristics of living in rural residence, having no reproductive history, fearing unexpected pregnancy, sexual distress, and depression showed more serious fertility concerns. Meanwhile, most female SLE patients adopted active confrontation when facing reproductive concerns, and these patients were significantly lower in the dimension score of mental related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that female SLE patients should be paid more attention to their fertility concerns and effective intervention measures should be carried out to relieve their reproductive concerns, so as to improve their long-term quality of life if their disease condition permits.

Predictors Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in a Cohort of Women with Systematic Lupus Erythematosus from Romania-An Observational Study (Stage 2)

Background: Pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is accompanied by adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). We aimed to investigate the association between clinical, sonographic, and laboratory parameters and APOs (preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, premature birth, and maternal mortality). Methods: This observational retrospective study included all pregnancies in women with SLE who attended two tertiary maternity hospitals from Romania between January 2013 and December 2020. Clinical, sonographic, and laboratory variables were examined. Bivariate associations of APO status and each predictor variable were evaluated, and significant predictors were further included in a classification model based on discriminant analysis. Results: Predictors of APOs included BMI > 25 kg/m2, personal history of lupus nephritis or chronic hypertension, proteinuria, low C3, SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2k score ≥ 4 and physician’s global-assessment (PGA) score ≥ 1 throughout pregnancy, increased mean uterine arteries pulsatility index in the first and second trimesters, cerebroplacental ratio < 1 in the second and third trimesters, and small fetal abdominal circumference in the third trimester. Glucocorticoids, methyldopa, and aspirin use appeared to be protective against APOs. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the most important predictors for APOs in pregnant patients with SLE, which could constitute a basis for further research.

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.

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.

The Safety of Medications During Pregnancy and Lactation in Patients with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

The advances in treatments, including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biologic agents, have significantly improved the management of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, allowing females with severe disease to become pregnant and lactate, previously considered as prohibited. Maintaining low disease activity with medications known to be safe from pre-conception to post-partum is a key point in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Numerous observational and case studies have provided a growing amount of evidence on the use of safe anti-rheumatic medications in patients during pregnancy and lactation. Based on this information, this review discusses the safety of medications for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases during pregnancy and lactation. Among these, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, low-dose glucocorticoids, and low-dose aspirin are considered compatible with pregnancy, while methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, and leflunomide are contraindicated. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are only recommended for use early in pregnancy, as they are reported to cause rare but serious kidney problems in the fetus after 20 weeks or later. Cyclosporin, tacrolimus, and anti-TNF agents can be continued throughout pregnancy if the benefit is greater than the potential risk for the individual patient. Physicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of medications in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases considering pregnancy.

Management of Pregnancy in Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects women of childbearing age. Pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality are well described in SLE; however, better management of disease activity throughout the disease course have minimized periods of disease activity and damage accrual, making pregnancy more feasible and desirable. A growing body of literature has defined risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with SLE, and coordinated medical and obstetric management has allowed most patients with SLE to safely achieve full-term pregnancies by timing pregnancy to maximal disease quiescence and use of pregnancy-compatible medications from preconception through lactation.