[Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune chronic disease, which involves multiple organs, particularly joints, skin, heart, lungs, nervous system and kidneys. Systemic lupus erythematosus has the predilection to women in their reproductive years and causes numerous health complications during the pregnancy and labour. Lupus flares occur during each trimester of pregnancy and also at postpartum period. Complications are usually mild and appear as the skin and joint involvement. The main challenge are flares in women with severe renal form of SLE. Such exacerbations often need the intensive treatment measures for the mother. The presence of lupus nephritis during conception may aggravate current arterial hypertension in the mother and lead to chronic renal failure progression. In the study authors report the risk factors for spontaneous abortions and premature births in women with SLE particularly in the group with the presence of antiphospholipid syndrome. The features and course of neonatal SLE was also discussed. The goals of medication of women with SLE and lupus nephritis during pregnancy and the treatment during postpartum period and lactation were described.