Management of Pregnancy in Lupus

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2021 Aug;47(3):441-455. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2021.04.008. Epub 2021 Jun 16.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Antibody syndrome; Antiphospholipid; Disease flare; Lupus nephritis; Preeclampsia; Pregnancy; Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactation
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Risk Factors