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Systemic lupus erythematosus in pregnancy
Author(s) -
Gordon Patrick,
Beedham Trevor,
Khamashta Munther,
D'Cruz David
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1576/toag.6.2.80.26982
Subject(s) - medicine , pregnancy , intensive care medicine , harm , systemic lupus erythematosus , systemic lupus , obstetrics , medical emergency , pediatrics , disease , psychology , social psychology , genetics , biology
When a woman is known to have systemic lupus erythematosis, planning and preparation can improve the outcome of pregnancy and reduce the severity of some of the potential problems. All treatment options have risks but these risks have to be balanced against the risks of no treatment or, ‘too late’ treatment. In pregnancy, close fetal surveillance is important. Once there are definite signs of fetal harm this cannot always be corrected and late management decisions can only institute rescue. Urgent premature delivery is a frequent phenomenon. Proactive medical care of the mother, together with accurate information about the state of the baby, may reduce the frequency of sudden or early delivery thereby assisting neonatal management. Currently, some risks such as neonatal lupus with congenital heart block, retain a high mortality. The construction of an agreed detailed prospective management plan, understood by all those involved, can lead to increased satisfaction with the care process and a better outcome.