Nephrotic syndrome and pregnancy. Potential problems for mother and child

The pregnant patient with nephrotic syndrome should be carefully evaluated for the presence of chronic renal disease. Proteinuria itself may be associated with an increase in perinatal mortality and in the incidence of small-for-gestational-age infants. Coexistent hypertension and/or renal dysfunction add to the risk of an unsuccessful pregnancy. The use of tocolytic agents in pregnant women with nephrotic syndrome theoretically may be hazardous. The patient with systemic lupus erythematosus may be at particular risk of unsuccessful pregnancy if the disease is active; postponement of conception until a remission of six months or longer has been achieved may be well advised.