Lupus activity in pregnancy

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2007 May;33(2):237-52, v. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2007.01.002.

Abstract

Pregnancy in a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be complicated by both lupus activity and pregnancy mishaps. The majority of recent studies found an increase in lupus activity during pregnancy, perhaps exacerbated by hormonal shifts required to maintain pregnancy. Increased lupus activity, in turn, prompts an elevated risk for poor pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclamspsia. Fortunately, the majority of pregnancies in women with SLE are successful. However, the interaction between pregnancy and SLE activity can lead to complications for both mother and baby.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / blood
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / physiopathology
  • Lupus Nephritis / epidemiology
  • Pre-Eclampsia / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / blood
  • Pregnancy Complications* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Pregnancy, High-Risk* / drug effects
  • Pregnancy, High-Risk* / physiology
  • Premature Birth / epidemiology

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Azathioprine