Objective: There is little follow-up data in preterm infants from mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to determine maternal outcomes and compare neonatal outcomes in preterm and term infants born to mothers with SLE.
Methods: This study is a prospective study in a tertiary medical care center and clinical research center for rheumatoid arthritis. Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment and complications in 77 pregnant SLE patients were prospectively evaluated from 2007 to 2013.
Results: Ninety-two infants (44 males and 48 females including four sets of twins) from 77 mothers with SLE were enrolled. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that flares were significantly associated with antiphospholipid antibodies of lupus anticoagulant during pregnancy (p = 0.009) and preterm birth (p = 0.017). Compared with term infants, preterm infants had significantly higher antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positivity (p = 0.001) at 12 months of age in multivariate logistic analysis.
Conclusion: Preterm birth is associated with maternal flares and persistent ANA positivity at 12 months of life in infants born to mothers with SLE.
Keywords: Antinuclear antibody; follow-up; lupus flare; lupus pregnancy; premature infants.