Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
Myopathy complicating lupus pregnancy
Roberta Priori1, Angelica Gattamelata, Giulia d'Amati
1Rheumatology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy.
Abstract:
Systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed in a 34-year-old pregnant woman because of leukopenia, typical skin rash, clinical and biochemical signs of muscle involvement, and positive serology (antinuclear antibodies and anti-double-stranded DNA). Corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were started at 18 weeks of gestation with overall benefit except for muscle involvement, which proved resistant even to higher dose of corticosteroids and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin. Muscle biopsy showed signs of HCQ toxicity, and the drug was stopped. After withdrawal, muscle involvement disappeared. Hydroxychloroquine could be safely reintroduced some months after delivery. It is hypothesized that pregnancy may have represented the second "hit" in this patient with systemic lupus erythematosus necessary for the rapid development of HCQ-related myopathy.
Related Concept Videos
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll