PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF PREGNANCIES IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

Abstract

Of 24 pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] studied retrospectively, 83% terminated in normal children. Of the patients, 54% had clinical and serological disease exacerbations during pregnancy or in the post-partum period compared to 4% in the 6 mo. prior to pregnancy. The presence of significant renal disease and SLE activity in the 6 mo. prior to pregnancy correlated with exacerbations. A distinction between pre-eclamptic toxemia and lupus exacerbation was made in 25% of the patients. There were 2 maternal deaths associated with uncontrolled lupus activity. No potentially viable infants died for reasons directly related to lupus activity.