Challenges of lupus pregnancies

Rheumatology (Oxford). 2008 Jun:47 Suppl 3:iii9-12. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/ken151.

Abstract

SLE primarily affects young females of childbearing age and fertility is generally conserved. SLE is a predominantly Th2-mediated disease and a progressive Th1/Th2 cytokine shift is seen in the fetal-maternal unit as well as in maternal circulation. Whether this fact affects pregnancy is unknown. Pregnancy represents a challenge for lupus patients and their physicians. However, the majority of SLE patients can now have successful pregnancies and deliver healthy babies, a result of our knowledge of the risks that SLE patients have to face during pregnancy, the preventive and therapeutic measures that we adopt, when necessary, and the close and appropriate rheumatological, obstetric and neonatal monitoring. All of these aspects are discussed in this review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Antimalarials / adverse effects
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use
  • Biological Factors / adverse effects
  • Biological Factors / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Trimesters

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antimalarials
  • Biological Factors
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents