Abstract

Aim of the work: To assess the outcome of planned pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and methods: The study was conducted on 32 patients. The medical management included pre-pregnancy planning at the quiescent phase of the disease and after at least six months of clinical remission. The patients had a monthly visit during pregnancy and three months post-delivery. Disease flare was characterized by the recurrence of symptoms and signs in different organs, as well as the need for an increase in medication dose. Results: There were 36 planned pregnancies in 32 patients, of which 15 and 17 cases were primiparous and multiparous, respectively. The SLE flares were observed in 36.1 of the cases, 8.3 of which developed postpartum; moreover, they were moderate in severity and mostly involved the kidneys and joints. Pregnancy outcomes included18 (50) cases ended in term labor; 13 (36.1) pregnancies had preterm labor, and 5 (13.8) pregnancies terminated with abortions. Furthermore, obstetric complications included 2(6.5) patients with premature rupture of membranes, 5(15.6) fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation, and 2(6.4) mothers with preeclampsia. 10(27.7) pregnancies occurred in patients with lupus nephritis. Cesarean section was performed on 24(77.4) patients, and low birth weight was observed in 7(21.8) infants. None of the infants had neonatal lupus, congenital deformities or infection. Conclusion: Pre-pregnancy planning in patients with SLE can considerably improve pregnancy outcomes. Neonatal lupus, congenital anomalies or infection were not present. SLE patients intending to become pregnant should be provided with close medical supervision for a safe maternal and fetal outcome. © 2021 THE AUTHORS