Sammanfattning
BACKGROUND : Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often starts in women of fertile age. Due to the unpredictable nature of the disease and the increased risk of the disease flaring up during pregnancy, women with SLE have previously often been advised to avoid pregnancy. This summary reviews current insights in pregnancy management of women with SLE.
METHOD : Search in the Medline database (period 1980-2005) using keywords: SLE, lupus nephritis, antiphospholipid antibody, neonatal lupus and pregnancy.
RESULTS : Previous studies of pregnant women with SLE have had different designs, sample sizes, selections of patients, definitions and measures of outcome. Women with previous pregnancy losses, an ongoing active disease with nephritis or hypertension and positive antiphospholipid antibodies, have an increased risk of pregnancy loss. The most favourable pregnancy outcomes are achieved when conception takes place during a remission of the disease.
INTERPRETATION : There are few absolute contraindications for pregnancies in women with SLE. Women with SLE may experience uncomplicated pregnancies, but they need to plan their pregnancies as the risk for complications is increased. Best results are achieved through the cooperation of rheumatologists, gynaecologists and nephrologists. Glucocorticosteroids, hydroxychlorocine, azathioprine and anticoagulation may be used during pregnancy.