Important considerations in pregnant patients with lupus nephritis

In the last few decades, identification of predictors of pregnancy outcome and appropriate pregnancy planning have significantly reduced the maternal and fetal risks in pregnant women with lupus nephritis. Areas covered: Successful pregnancies have been reported even in women with chronic renal disease and renal insufficiency. However, refractory hypertension and severe renal or cardiac chronic dysfunction are still considered contraindications to pregnancy. Pre-term delivery and fetal growth restriction may still occur in SLE patients more frequently than in healthy women, even in pregnancies regularly planned and monitored by a team of nephrologists and gynaecologists. Expert commentary: Stable disease remission is the most important factor for a successful pregnancy. In case of flare-ups of lupus, timely diagnosis and appropriate management may ensure a successful outcome in the majority of pregnant women. The negative role of anti-phospholipid antibodies and of chronic arterial hypertension may be countered with appropriate anticoagulation and anti-hypertensive therapy. Further studies are needed to better assess the possible impact of pregnancy on the long-term outcome of lupus nephritis.