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In Utero Azathioprine Exposure and Increased Utilization of Special Educational Services in Children Born to Mothers With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Author(s) -
Marder Wendy,
Ganser Martha A.,
Romero Vivian,
Hyzy Margaret A.,
Gordon Caroline,
McCune W. J.,
Somers Emily C.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
arthritis care and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.032
H-Index - 163
eISSN - 2151-4658
pISSN - 2151-464X
DOI - 10.1002/acr.21888
Subject(s) - medicine , offspring , pregnancy , live birth , in utero , lupus nephritis , azathioprine , odds ratio , obstetrics , small for gestational age , pediatrics , gestation , disease , fetus , genetics , biology
Abstract Objective Azathioprine (AZA) is recognized among immunosuppressive medications as relatively safe during pregnancy for women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) requiring aggressive treatment. This pilot study aimed to determine whether SLE therapy during pregnancy was associated with developmental delays in offspring. Methods This cohort study included SLE patients with at least one live birth postdiagnosis. Medical histories were obtained via interviews and chart review. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between SLE therapy during pregnancy and maternal report of special educational (SE) requirements (as proxy for developmental delays) among offspring. Propensity scoring (incorporating corticosteroid use, lupus flare, and lupus nephritis) was used to account for disease severity. Results Of 60 eligible offspring from 38 mothers, 15 required SE services, the most common indication for which was speech delay. Seven (54%) of the 13 children with in utero AZA exposure utilized SE services versus 8 (17%) of 47 nonexposed children ( P < 0.01). After adjustment for pregnancy duration, small for gestational age, propensity score, maternal education level, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, AZA was significantly associated with SE utilization occurring from age 2 years onward (odds ratio 6.6, 95% confidence interval 1.0–43.3), and bordered on significance for utilization at any age or age <2 years. Conclusion AZA exposure during SLE pregnancy was independently associated with increased SE utilization in offspring, after controlling for confounders. Further research is indicated to fully characterize developmental outcomes among offspring with in utero AZA exposure. Vigilance and early interventions for suspected developmental delays among exposed offspring may be warranted.