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Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy.
1Lupus Research Unit, The Rayne Institute, King's College London School of Medicine at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK. munther.khamashta@kcl.ac.uk
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|September 19, 2006
Summary
Pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) requires careful planning and management. Multidisciplinary care improves outcomes for mothers and babies, with certain medications being safe during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Obstetrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) poses significant risks during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy can increase the likelihood of SLE flares, which are unpredictable.
- Active disease within six months of conception heightens flare risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline optimal management strategies for pregnant women with SLE.
- To highlight the benefits of multidisciplinary care for improving pregnancy outcomes.
- To discuss the safety of specific medications and the management of associated conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical guidelines on SLE in pregnancy.
- Emphasis on pre-conception planning and patient consultation.
- Discussion of diagnostic challenges, including differentiating flares from physiological changes and pre-eclampsia.
Main Results:
- Multidisciplinary clinics improve pregnancy outcomes for women with SLE and their infants.
- Corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, and azathioprine are considered safe for use during pregnancy.
- Identifying and treating antiphospholipid syndrome is crucial for better maternal and fetal outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Planned pregnancies and collaborative management are essential for women with SLE.
- Close monitoring is necessary to distinguish SLE flares from other pregnancy complications.
- While neonatal SLE is rare, it carries high risks; further research into prophylaxis is needed.
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