Placenta accreta (PA) is a life-threatening disorder associated with decidual maldevelopment and a thin endometrium. Few cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pregnancy complicated by PA have been reported, and the background pathophysiology remains elusive. Here, we report a case of PA in SLE pregnancy treated with hydroxychloroquine. A nulligravida woman with SLE, aged 41 years, visited our hospital because of infertility problems. Her SLE was treated with prednisolone and tacrolimus. We conducted assisted reproductive technology and gained several embryos. An artificial cycle successfully prepared the endometrium for embryo transfer with sufficient thickness. Over time, her SLE exacerbated, and we started hydroxychloroquine administration. Consequently, the endometrium did not respond to hormonal supplementation and remained thin, but we transferred the embryo and managed to achieve pregnancy. On the 38th week of gestation, we conducted labor induction because of elevated blood pressure. Induction was not effective, so we performed cesarean section; PA was observed. We performed compression suturing and were able to stop the hemorrhage. Postoperative uterine infarction and pelvic infection were successfully managed with conservative treatment. The present case highlights the use of hydroxychloroquine during endometrial development and contributes evidence regarding the pathogenesis of PA in pregnancy complicated by SLE.
Keywords: Artificial cycle; endometrium; frozen-thawed embryo transfer; hydroxychloroquine; placenta accreta.