Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: Twenty-four pregnant patients with SLE treated with HCQ during pregnancy from May, 2006 to February, 2011 were studied retrospectively. All babies were followed up during early infancy for growth development.
Results: Of them, 22 patients were treated with HCQ throughout the whole pregnancy with no lupus flare occurred in 21 patients (95.4%), while temporary discontinuation of HCQ precipitated a flare of disease in two patients. Three patients (12.5%) had premature delivery, and pregnancy induced hypertension happened in 3 patients (12.5%). No congenital abnormalities occurred and mean follow-up of 26 months (range 1 - 47 months) revealed no abnormalities in these children.
Conclusion: Our findings reinforce the safety of HCQ therapy during pregancy and HCQ should probably be maintained throughout the pregancy in patients with SLE.