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Seizures associated with Lupus during pregnancy
Shigeru Aoki1, Natsuko Kobayashi1, Aya Mochimaru1
1Perinatal Center for Maternity and Neonate Yokohama City University Medical Center Yokohama Japan.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares can cause central nervous system (CNS) lupus. During pregnancy, seizures from CNS lupus may lead to infant hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- SLE can affect various organ systems, including the central nervous system (CNS).
- Pregnancy can alter SLE disease activity.
Observation:
- Sudden flares of previously stable SLE can manifest as CNS lupus.
- Seizures are a potential neurological complication of CNS lupus.
- These seizures can occur during pregnancy.
Findings:
- CNS lupus during pregnancy poses a risk to the fetus.
- Seizures associated with maternal CNS lupus can induce hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in the infant.
- HIE is a serious neonatal condition resulting from oxygen deprivation.
Implications:
- Early recognition and management of SLE flares in pregnant individuals are crucial.
- Close monitoring for neurological symptoms in pregnant SLE patients is essential.
- Preventing maternal seizures may mitigate the risk of neonatal HIE, improving infant outcomes.
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