[Lupus and pregnancy: study of 26 cases, an internal medicine department experience and review of the literature]

Abstract

Objective: To study the maternal and fetal outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Patients and methods: A retrospective study of 26 pregnancies in 15 systemic erythematosus patients diagnosed before or during pregnancy regarding to American College of Rheumatology criteria in a single reference center.

Results: The mean patient age was 31.52 years (24-39 years). The mean interval from the diagnosis of the systemic lupus erythematosus to pregnancy was 4.2 years. Eight pregnancies were planned. The flare rate of lupus during pregnancy was 31%, life birth rate was 65% and fetal loss rate was 35%.

Discussion and conclusion: As an increase in disease activity can occur during pregnancy and because of a higher rate of obstetrical complications in patients with lupus, it is important to carefully plan pregnancy. Pregnancy in lupus patients must be closely monitored by a multispeciality care of the patients.

Keywords: Complications de la grossesse; Grossesse; Lupus érythémateux systémique; Poussée de lupus érythémateux systémique; Pregnancy; Pregnancy complications; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Systemic lupus erythematosus flare.