SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS IN PREGNANCY

Most literature of pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is retrospective and selective. A detailed, prospective analysis of 13 pregnancies in 8 women with SLE is presented. Pregnancy was best tolerated by mothers without significant nephropathy or cardiopathy who were in clinical remission for more than 3 mo. prior to conception. Management was aided by serial evaluation of complement (C3 and C4) levels and careful supervision of immunosuppressive therapy when indicated. Although fetal status was closely monitored, premature deliveries and spontaneous abortions occurred frequently. No malformations or adverse sequelae were noted in surviving infants exposed to immunosuppressive agents during gestation.