Pregnancy Outcome in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Study of Pregnancy Outcome of 23 Patients with SLE at High Risk Unit, Kasr El-Aini Hospital

Background: Systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune multi-system disease of unknown etiology mostly affecting females in child bearing age. Offering the patients adequate obstetrical care will improve both maternal & fetal outcome. Aim of the Work: To study the effect of SLE on pregnancy by evaluating maternal & fetal outcome & to study the effect of pregnancy on SLE flares. Material and Methods: Twenty three SLE pregnant patients were followed at the antenatal care clinic at High Risk Unit at Kasr El-Aini Hospital. The pregnancy outcome was evaluated, recording any maternal & fetal complications. Results: All 23 patients were at remission at onset of pregnancy. Predinisolone was used by [14 patients], [19 patients] treated with low dose acetylsalicylic acid, Hydroxychloroqine [13 patients], and low molecular weight heparin [13 patients] Azathioprine [4 patients]. Prematurity was 13% [3 patients], IUGR [4 patients] maternal renal involvement [5 patients], Arthritis [7 patients], Skin rash [4 patients], Hematological abnormalities [2 patients], pulmonary embolism [1 patients], with one maternal mortality. Conclusion: Although improvement in pregnancy outcome in SLE patients, SLE still carries a risk for the mother and fetus and careful follow-up should be done during pregnancy.