New insights into pregnancy-related complications in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presents an additional risk to an already complex clinical situation--overlap in symptoms between changes of pregnancy and SLE, presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, and need for potentially teratogenic medications can all complicate the management of pregnant patients with SLE. Studies demonstrate that, with careful planning, the majority of patients with lupus can complete pregnancy without serious complications. Recent developments are modified instruments to measure disease activity in pregnancy, increasingly common continuation of hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy, more frequent use of in vitro fertilization, and more aggressive fetal monitoring in patients positive for anti-Sjögren's syndrome (SS)-A/Ro or anti- SS-B/La antibody.
Erkan
Doruk
D
Department of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. derkan@pol.net
Sammaritano
Lisa
L
D001942:Breast Feeding; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012307:Risk Factors