[Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy. Present status]

The authors summarize contemporary views on the relationship between pregnancy and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in women of reproductive age. It is known that pregnancy influences in a marked way the basic disease and conversely the disease has an impact on the course of pregnancy. Risks ensuing from these in errelations for women--mothers with SLE and the foetus are exacerbation (flare-up) of the basic disease, loss of the foetus and damage of the foetus by so-called "lupus neonatorum" with skin symptoms and complete cardiac A-V block. The contemporary state of knowledge makes it possible under certain conditions to achieve by therapeutic interventions the development and delivery of a healthy foetus. Among these views it is most important for conception to occur in these patients with SLE during a period without signs of active SLE. To ensure a successful course of pregnancy in women with SLE is the task of a team of appropriate specialists.