Pregnancy outcomes in different stages of systemic lupus erythematosus among Chinese women - a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the outcomes of pregnancies and risk factors in Chinese women with different stages of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 55 conceptions in 52 patients with SLE between Jan 2007 and Jan 2019 were retrospected systematically from a general hospital graded 3A in China. Medical records provided us a good way to retrieve the clinical parameters and lab data of patients.

RESULTS

Pregnant women with SLE activity had significant hyperimmunoglobulin, hypocomplement, low platelet counts, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and 24-h urine protein. Hydroxychloroquine had been used to reduce the rates of SLE activity in pregnant women. Logistic regression analysis showed low platelet counts, hypocomplement and 24-h urine protein were significantly correlated with fetal loss. Compared to those in stable stage, the active SLE patients have more risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, thrombocytopenia, lupus nephritis and placental infarction, and have worse fetal outcomes, including the higher rate of fetal loss, preterm and asphyxia neonatorum.

CONCLUSIONS

Different stages of SLE during pregnancy are closely related to maternal and fetal outcomes. It is imperative to provide SLE women with pregnancy consultation and regular multispecialty care.