[Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy].

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Immunology
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Connective Tissue Disorders

Background:

• Connective-tissue disorders, or collagen-vascular diseases, are characterized by autoantibody-mediated abnormalities.
• Many involve immune complex deposition, leading to sterile inflammation in organs like skin, joints, blood vessels, and kidneys, classifying them as rheumatic diseases.
• Inherited connective tissue diseases include conditions like Marfan syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review Lupus erythematosus (LE), a significant systemic connective tissue disease.
• To discuss LE's incidence, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and diagnostic criteria.
• To examine pregnancy outcomes, complications, and the role of antiphospholipid syndrome in LE.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on connective-tissue disorders, focusing on Lupus erythematosus.
• Analysis of pathogenesis involving genetic and environmental interactions leading to abnormal immune responses.
• Examination of diagnostic criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Main Results:

• Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a heterogeneous, multi-organ autoimmune inflammatory disease.
• Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of susceptible genes and environmental factors.
• The review covers incidence, clinical features, diagnosis, pregnancy course, and antiphospholipid syndrome in LE.

Conclusions:

• Connective-tissue disorders encompass a range of autoimmune and inherited conditions.
• Lupus erythematosus is a prime example, driven by complex genetic and environmental interactions.
• Understanding LE's clinical aspects, diagnosis, and pregnancy implications is crucial for patient management.