[Successful completed pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus]

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder which affects women with child bearing potential.

The aim of this study was to investigate the successful pregnancies in patients with lupus in the past 10 years. Women were followed up at the 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, University of Debrecen.

During this investigated period, 26 patients became pregnant. Seven patients had a positive history for lupus before the pregnancy. A total of 29 children were born. The mean gestational age was 35 weeks. The average birth weight was 2415 grams. Toxemic pregnancy was the most common complication found in 9 patients. Lupus nephritis activity occurred in 2 patients, and 1 of them had it for the first time during the course of her disease.

In the past years, the number of pregnancies in patients with lupus has been increasing. Due to proper patient care and education, the outcome is more favourable.