Use of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in pregnancy in systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome are associated with an increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery. Recent advances in therapy during pregnancy have improved the outcome but there is still significant fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Treatment of patients failing conventional therapy during the second half of pregnancy is difficult and may be complicated by the development of preeclampsia. The addition of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy offers a low risk strategy for reducing autoantibody mediated disease and improving placental function in severely compromised, growth restricted pregnancies.