Lupus Pregnancy Research Articles

Lupus activity and pregnancy outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus patients undergoing assisted reproductive therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily impacting women of childbearing age. While pregnancy and hormonal stress can trigger SLE flare-ups, the effects of assisted reproductive therapies (ARTs) on SLE patients are not well defined. We conducted a search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL until March 20, 2024, to find observational studies assessing the prevalence of SLE flares and pregnancy outcomes following ARTs. Our analysis included random-effects meta-analysis and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach for evaluating evidence quality. Five studies involving 237 SLE women who underwent ARTs were eligible. The meta-analysis indicated a prevalence of SLE flares at 17% (95% CI: 10-25%) with moderate-quality evidence. The pooled prevalence of arthritis flares was 7% (95% CI: 0-25%) with low-quality evidence. Successful pregnancy rates were 58% (95% CI: 43-72%), and live birth rates were 96% (95% CI: 83-100%), both with low-quality evidence. Moderate-quality evidence showed pregnancy complications, including preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) at 8% (95% CI: 3-16%), miscarriages at 2% (95% CI: 0-9%), intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) at 4% (95% CI: 0-11%), and preeclampsia at 7% (95% CI: 1-17%). Low-quality evidence showed preterm labor at 10% (95% CI: 0-32%) and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) at 2% (95% CI: 0-11%). SLE flares, as well as pregnancy complications such as IUFD, miscarriage, PPROM, and preeclampsia in ART recipients, are equivalent to those in spontaneous conception. This indicates that ART is relatively safe for SLE patients with meticulous pregnancy planning. Key Points •Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily impacting women of childbearing age. • Pregnancy in women with SLE poses elevated maternal and fetal risks compared to healthy women. • SLE flares and pregnancy complications while receiving ART are equivalent to those in spontaneous conception and ART is relatively safe for SLE patients.

Hydroxychloroquine and Pre-eclampsia in a Diverse Cohort of Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at risk for pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. These clinically important complications are associated with maternal morbidity, mortality, and postpartum cardiovascular disease. Some studies suggest that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may reduce pre-eclampsia risk in lupus pregnancy. Using a cohort of pregnant patients with prevalent SLE at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), we investigated whether HCQ treatment in early pregnancy reduced the risk of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Among pregnant patients with SLE from 2011 to 2020, we assessed HCQ treatment from three months before pregnancy through the first trimester. HCQ exposure was defined multiple ways to account for adherence and duration of treatment. Propensity scores accounted for multiple confounders and modified Poisson models estimated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals of the association between HCQ treatment and pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Effect modification by pregestational hypertension, history of nephritis, and antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) status was investigated through stratified analysis. There were 399 pregnancies among 324 patients with SLE at KPNC between 2011 and 2020. Considering multiple exposure definitions, we consistently found a null association between HCQ and pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. The RRs were consistently lower among nullipara patients, and RRs were consistently protective but not statistically significant among the high-risk subgroup of patients with a history of nephritis, aPL positivity, or pregestational hypertension (for both nullipara and multipara patients). Although this study found no reduced risk of HCQ on pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, residual confounding may be attenuating the effect despite an integrated health care delivery system setting with detailed clinical data.

Lupus pregnancy outcomes in women with previous adverse outcomes: a prospective cohort study.

The primary objective of this prospective cohort study was to assess the usefulness of a predefined multidisciplinarycare pathway-based management on pregnancy outcome(s) in women with SLE who already had at least one adverse obstetric outcome(s). Between March 2010 and March 2023, all consecutive, consenting women with SLE who already had at least one previous adverse obstetric outcome (preterm labour, pre-eclampsia, termination of pregnancy, miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW), intrauterine death (IUD) or stillbirth] were prospectively screened and counselled. The protocol comprised preconception and post-natal drug and disease status review, periodic ante-natal visits for the monitoring of pregnancy and drug and disease status review and post-natal drug and disease status review and contraception advice. Therapeutic changes were made as necessary at each visit. A total of 213 women were screened and 197 women (age, 28 ± 6.34years) were enrolled who had 226 pregnancies. Previous poor obstetric outcomes were miscarriage(s), 186; termination of pregnancy, 4; preterm labour, 51; IUGR, 36; IUD or stillbirth, 16; low birth weight (LBW), 44 and pre-eclampsia, 4. Seventy-seven (39%) women had secondary APS and 37 (19%) had a history of lupus nephritis. There were 194/226 (86%) live births [40 LBW (18%); caesarean section in 101 (45%)]. Thirty pregnancies culminated in miscarriages and 2 in IUDs (14%). Sixty-eight patients (30%) experienced lupus flare during pregnancy (36 mild, 20 moderate and 8 severe). Our experience underscores the usefulness of a predefined multidisciplinarycare pathway-based managementfor improving pregnancy outcomes in women with SLE who had previous adverse outcomes. Key Points • In women with SLE who had previous adverse obstetric outcome(s) a risk of poor outcome in subsequent pregnancy remains. • Good pregnancy outcomes in these women could be achieved bypredefined multidisciplinary care pathways focussed on addressing all relevant issues. • Improved access to rheumatology services and collaboration between rheumatologists and obstetricians is key to improving outcomes in SLE pregnancies.

Comparison of pregnancy outcomes between indigenous and non-indigenous lupus patients.

To compare pregnancy outcomes between IA and non IA lupus patients. Pregnancy in lupus patients confers an increased risk of maternal and fetal morbidity. There are no data on pregnancy outcomes for indigenous Australian (IA) patients with lupus. Using state-wide longitudinal hospital morbidity data, we studied 702 pregnancies in IA (n = 31) and non-indigenous (NI) patients with lupus (n = 357) in Western Australia and compared rates for live birth (LB), preterm birth (PB) and gestational complications in the period 1985-2015. Results are presented as medians or frequency. IA patients had proportionally more pre-existing renal disease (35 vs 13%, P < 0.01) and lower socio-economic status (P = 0.02). Age at first pregnancy was lower in IA patients (27 vs 30 years, P < 0.001), recorded gravidity was similar (2 vs 2, P > 0.6) and elective termination (n = 138) was more frequent in NI than IA pregnancies (21.1 vs 4.8%, P < 0.01). For continued pregnancies (59 in IA and 505 in NI), respective outcomes were as follows: LB 84.7% versus 91.5% (P = 0.15), spontaneous abortion 13.5% versus 6.9% (P = 0.13), (pre-)eclampsia 8% versus 9.9% (P = 0.89), PB 12% versus 13.4% (P = 0.98) and caesarean delivery 30% versus 47.2% (P = 0.02). Gestational diabetes (26% vs 6.1%), renal flares (20% vs 5.6%) and infections (22% vs 6.3%) were all more frequent in IA lupus pregnancies (all P < 0.001). The burden of comorbidities was higher in IA patients with lupus due to renal flares, gestational DM and infections. Although PB rates were overall high, they were, however, similar for IA and NI lupus pregnancies, as were LB rates.

Molecular Mechanisms of Fetal and Neonatal Lupus: A Narrative Review of an Autoimmune Disease Transferal across the Placenta.

This study, conducted by searching keywords such as "maternal lupus", "neonatal lupus", and "congenital heart block" in databases including PubMed and Scopus, provides a detailed narrative review on fetal and neonatal lupus. Autoantibodies like anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB may cross the placenta and cause complications in neonates, such as congenital heart block (CHB). Management options involve hydroxychloroquine, which is able to counteract some of the adverse events, although the drug needs to be used carefully because of its impact on the QTc interval. Advanced pacing strategies for neonates with CHB, especially in severe forms like hydrops, are also assessed. This review emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary care by rheumatologists, obstetricians, and pediatricians in order to achieve the best maternal and neonatal health in lupus pregnancies. This multidisciplinary approach seeks to improve the outcomes and management of the disease, decreasing the burden on mothers and their infants.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pregnancy Complications and Outcomes: A Mendelian Randomization Study and Retrospective Validation.

Previous studies have shown that pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) tend to have a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the potential causal role remained unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the causal relationship between SLE and some common pregnancy complications and outcomes using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). The genetic tools were derived from genome-wide association studies of SLE and pregnancy complications and outcomes. MR analysis was performed using inverse variance weighting as primary method. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the results. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 200 pregnant women with SLE and a control group of pregnant women delivering at Tongji Hospital. In the results, we found that genetic susceptibility to SLE was associated with a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.028, 95% CI: 1.006-1.050), premature delivery (OR = 1.039, 95% CI: 1.013-1.066), polyhydramnios (OR = 1.075, 95% CI: 1.004-1.151) and premature rupture of membranes (OR = 1.030, 95% CI: 1.001-1.060). Some of the retrospective analysis results align with the findings from the MR analysis, indicating that pregnant women with SLE have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus and preterm birth. Additionally, although MR analysis did not reveal a causal relationship between SLE and preeclampsia/eclampsia, retrospective analysis discovered that SLE pregnant women are more susceptible to developing preeclampsia/eclampsia (OR = 2.935, 95% CI: 1.118-7.620). Our study findings suggest a potential causal relationship between SLE and increased risks of gestational diabetes and preterm delivery. Clinical data indicate that pregnant women with SLE are more prone to developing preeclampsia/eclampsia. Clinicians need to be vigilant about the occurrence of these conditions when managing pregnant women with SLE.

Hydroxychloroquine in lupus or rheumatoid arthritis pregnancy and risk of major congenital malformations: a population-based cohort study.

To assess the infant risk of major congenital malformations (MCM) associated with first-trimester exposure to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) among mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This population-based cohort study utilised Swedish nationwide registers and included all singleton births (2006-2021) among individuals with prevalent SLE or RA in Sweden. The exposure was filling ≥1 HCQ prescription during the first trimester. The outcome was infant MCM within one year of birth. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was applied to adjust for potential confounders (e.g. maternal smoking, body mass index, pregestational diabetes, and corticosteroids). Modified Poisson regression models with robust variance estimated risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (RR 95%CI). We included 1,007 births (453 exposed) and 2,500 births (144 exposed) in the SLE and RA cohorts, respectively. The MCM risks in the SLE overall cohort, exposed, and unexposed groups were 3.6%, 3.7%, and 3.4%, respectively. The corresponding figures in the RA cohort were 4.4%, 5.6%, and 4.3%, respectively. The adjusted RRs (95%CI) were 1.29 (0.65-2.56) in the SLE cohort, 1.32 (0.56-3.13) in the RA cohort, and 1.30 (0.76-2.23) in the pooled analysis. The adjusted risk difference (exposed vs unexposed) was small (0.9% in SLE and 1.3% in RA). Sensitivity analyses examining different exposure and outcome windows yielded similar findings. First-trimester exposure to HCQ was not associated with a significantly increased risk of MCM. HCQ's benefits may outweigh the risks in managing SLE or RA during pregnancy.

Hydroxychloroquine in Lupus Pregnancy and Risk of Preeclampsia.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disproportionately affects women during childbearing years, and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is the standard first-line treatment. Preeclampsia complicates up to one-third of pregnancies in lupus patients, although reports vary by parity and multifetal gestation. We investigated whether taking HCQ early in pregnancy may reduce the risk of preeclampsia. We studied 1,068 live birth singleton pregnancies among 1,020 privately insured patients with SLE (2007-2016). HCQ treatment was defined as three months preconception through the first trimester, and prescription fills were a proxy for taking HCQ. Modified Poisson regression estimated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), stratified by parity. Propensity scores accounted for confounders, and stratified analyses examined effect modification. Approximately 15% of pregnant patients were diagnosed with preeclampsia. In 52% of pregnancies, patients had one or more HCQ fills. Pregnant patients exposed to HCQ had more comorbidities, SLE activity, and azathioprine treatment. We found no evidence of a statistical association between HCQ and preeclampsia among nulliparous (RR 1.26 [95% CI 0.82-1.93]) and multiparous pregnancies (RR 1.20 [95% CI 0.80-1.70]). Additional controls for confounding decreased the RRs toward the null (nulliparous pregnancy, propensity score-adjusted [PS-adj] RR 1.09 [95% CI 0.68-1.76]; multiparous pregnancy, PS-adj RR 1.01 [95% CI 0.66-1.53]). Using a large insurance-based database, we did not observe a decreased risk of preeclampsia associated with HCQ treatment in pregnancy, although we cannot rule out residual and unmeasured confounding and misclassification. Further studies leveraging large population-based data and prospective collection could characterize how HCQ influences preeclampsia risk in pregnant patients with SLE and among persons at greater risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Abstract 16604: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pregnancy: An Analytical Review of Cardiovascular Disease and Obstetric Complications

Background Cardiovascular disease in pregnant patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is not well studied. Our objective is to study the prognostic implications of SLE in pregnancy in terms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obstetric complications. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using National Inpatient Sample 2016-2020. Cohorts of patients hospitalized for SLE, pregnancy and CVD were identified using respective ICD-10 codes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess prognostic outcomes. Results Among 898825 patients hospitalized for SLE, 30845 patients were pregnant. Out of these patients with SLE and pregnancy, 1710 patients had cardiovascular disease (prevalence 5.5%). Mean age for SLE patients with pregnancy and cardiovascular disease was 30 years, 36.7% were white, and 36.4% were African-American. SLE in pregnancy is associated with five folds higher odds of cardiovascular disease (OR 4.8, CI 4.3-5.5, p&lt;0.001). The strongest association of SLE in pregnancy is with pericarditis (OR 77, CI 34.4-172, p&lt;0.001), followed by myocarditis (OR 35, CI 3.9-312, p=0.001), pulmonary hypertension (OR 12.9, CI 8.6-17.5, p&lt;0.001), ischemic heart disease (OR 9.3, CI 6.7-12.8, p&lt;0.001), stroke (OR 9.3, CI 4.8-18, p&lt;0.001) and congestive heart failure (OR 7.7, CI 5.16-11.5, p&lt;0.001). Table 2 outlines the pregnancy outcomes and complications in SLE. SLE is associated with significantly lower odds of live birth (OR 0.35, CI 0.32-0.37, p&lt;0.001). SLE is associated with significantly higher odds of pregnancy complications (Table 2). Conclusion 5.5% of SLE patients with pregnancy have CVD. SLE in pregnancy is associated with five folds higher odds of cardiovascular disease with strongest association to pericarditis, followed by myocarditis, pulmonary hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. SLE in pregnancy is associated with lower odds of live birth and higher odds of obstetric complications.

Lupus and recurrent pregnancy loss: the role of female sex hormones and B cells.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by uncontrolled activation of adaptive immunity, particularly B cells, which predominantly affects women in a 9 to 1 ratio compared to men. This stark sex disparity strongly suggests a role for female sex hormones in the disease's onset and progression. Indeed, it is widely recognized that estradiol not only enhances the survival of autoreactive B cells but also stimulates the production of autoantibodies associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, such as anti-nuclear antibodies and anti-dsDNA antibodies. Clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus typically emerge after puberty and persist throughout reproductive life. Furthermore, symptoms often exacerbate during the premenstrual period and pregnancy, as increased levels of estradiol can contribute to disease flares. Despite being fertile, women with lupus face a heightened risk of pregnancy-related complications, including pregnancy loss and stillbirth, which significantly surpass the rates observed in the healthy population. Therefore, this review aims to summarize and discuss the existing literature on the influence of female sex hormones on B-cell activation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, with a particular emphasis on their impact on pregnancy loss.

Rare Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Multiorgan Involvement in A Young Pregnant Women – A Case Report

Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that notoriously varies in presentation, course, andoutcome. Active Nephritis, especially if the neuropsychiatry component is involved, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomessuch as Gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and renal failure. Our aim is to elaborate on the case report of young pregnantwomen diagnosed with SLE with multiorgan involvement about its course and management and the need for a multidisciplinaryapproach. A 20-year-old primigravida at 33 weeks of gestation with no known co-morbidities previously came with a history offever for 2 days, abdominal pain, and bleeding per vagina. Given placental abruption, the patient underwent an emergency lowersegment cesarean section. The patient developed postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which was managed medically. On POD#8(postoperative day 8), the patient had generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) and developed hematuria. On evaluation, itrevealed abnormal renal parameters suggestive of Pregnancy-related Acute Kidney Injury (PRAKI). The patient's condition did notimprove with conservative management. After immunological investigations, a renal biopsy was done, and the diagnosis wasconfirmed as SLE-LN III (Systemic lupus erythematosus-Lupus nephritis) with Neuropsychiatry component involvement. Hence,the patient was started on Hydroxychloroquine based on the National Institute of Health protocol, and her condition improved.Hence given the relatively high number of maternal and neonatal deaths, lupus pregnancies should be followed by a multidisciplinaryteam, including nephrologists, rheumatologists, and obstetricians experienced in high-risk pregnancies, and deliveries should beplanned in tertiary-care settings provided with neonatology intensive care units.

Successful use of tadalafil in oligohydramnios associated with lupus pregnancy.

Successful use of tadalafil in oligohydramnios associated with lupus pregnancy.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy: Before gestation, during and after childbirth

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease of women of reproductive age. Up to a certain time, pregnancy was contraindicated in patients with SLE, improving the management of the disease itself (monitoring), as well as understanding the safety of drugs make pregnancy possible for most patients with SLE. Careful pregnancy planning is crucial when the disease is well controlled with pregnancy-compatible medications. This is also facilitated by the management of patients jointly by doctors of different specialties (rheumatologist, neurologist, endocrinologist, etc.) with obstetricians. The article discusses the achievements of managing women with SLE during pregnancy planning, during pregnancy and after delivery.

Control of lupus activity during pregnancy via the engagement of IgG sialylation: novel crosstalk between IgG sialylation and pDC functions.

Immunoglobulin (IgG) glycosylation affects the effector functions of IgG in a myriad of biological processes and has been closely associated with numerous autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), thus underlining the pathogenic role of glycosylation aberration in autoimmunity. This study aims to explore the relationship between IgG sialylation patterns and lupus pregnancy. Relative to that in serum samples from the control cohort, IgG sialylation level was aberrantly downregulated in serum samples from the SLE cohort at four stages (from preconception to the third trimester of pregnancy) and was significantly associated with lupus activity and fetal loss during lupus pregnancy. The type I interferon signature of pregnant patients with SLE was negatively correlated with the level of IgG sialylation. The lack of sialylation dampened the ability of IgG to suppress the functions of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). RNA-seq analysis further revealed that the expression of genes associated with the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) signaling pathway significantly differed between IgG- and deSia-IgG-treated pDCs. This finding was confirmed by the attenuation of the ability to phosphorylate SYK and BLNK in deSia-IgG. Finally, the coculture of pDCs isolated from pregnant patients with SLE with IgG/deSia-IgG demonstrated the sialylation-dependent anti-inflammatory function of IgG. Our findings suggested that IgG influences lupus activity through regulating pDCs function via the modulation of the SYK pathway in a sialic acid-dependent manner.

Management and outcomes of women with antiphospholipid syndrome during pregnancy.

Women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. To define clinical, serologic, and treatment factors that can predict outcomes in pregnant women with APS. Retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with APS evaluated at a university medical center between January 2006 and August 2021. Demographics, personal and family history of thrombosis, autoimmune disease, antithrombotic use, pregnancy outcomes, maternal and fetal complications were collected. We compared pregnancy outcomes in the presence or absence of lupus anticoagulant (LA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), prior thrombosis or pregnancy losses, and antithrombotic use. There were 169 pregnancies in 50 women; 79 (46.7%) occurred after maternal diagnosis of APS. The most common antithrombotic regimen was aspirin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in 26.6% of pregnancies; 55.0% of all pregnancies and 68.4% of pregnancies post-APS diagnosis resulted in a live birth. In age-adjusted analyses, aspirin plus LMWH regardless of dosage was associated with significantly higher odds of live birth compared with no antithrombotic use (OR = 7.5, p < 0.001) and compared with aspirin alone (OR = 13.2, p = 0.026). SLE increased the risk for preterm birth and preeclampsia. A positive LA did not impact the outcomes evaluated and anticardiolipin IgM decreased the risk of pre-eclampsia. The presence of SLE is a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes in pregnant women with APS. Treatment with LMWH and aspirin was superior to aspirin alone. The creation of a global registry may be useful in improving the management of these patients.

Hydroxychloroquine significantly decreases the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women with autoimmune disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) intervention could decrease the incidence of preeclampsia and other maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant women with autoimmune disorders. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane databases were searched from inception until January 2022. Data on maternal or fetal outcomes of the control and hydroxychloroquine treatment groups were gathered and analyzed. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. Cochran's Q test, I2 statistics, leave-one-out analysis, Baujat plot analysis, GOSH plot analysis, and multivariable meta-regression were applied to assess between-study heterogeneity. The meta-analysis was performed using the Stata V.16.1 software. Baujat plot analysis and GOSH plot analysis were performed using the R V.4.0.0 software. Our study included 21 cohort studies and one case-control study with a total of 3948 pregnancies with immune disorders. HCQ treatment significantly reduced the incidence of preeclampsia (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.33-0.63, p = 0.000, I2 3.68%). After outlier omission, HCQ treatment significantly reduced the incidence of premature delivery (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.96, p = 0.01, I2 44.81%) in pregnant women with autoimmune disorders. In sub-group analysis, HCQ also significantly reduced the incidence of gestational hypertension (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.26-0.68, p = 0.001, I2 49.33%) and preterm birth (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.48-0.82, p = 0.001, I2 27.63%) in pregnant women with lupus. The heterogeneity of the findings mentioned above was low to moderate. There were no significant differences in the risk of other outcomes, including gestational diabetes, HELLP syndrome, thrombosis, spontaneous abortion, fetal loss, small for gestational age infant (SGA), low birth weight, stillbirth, APGAR score < 7, and congenital malformation. This meta-analysis indicated that HCQ treatment could significantly decrease the incidence of preeclampsia and premature delivery in pregnant women with autoimmune disorders. In addition, HCQ could reduce the risk of gestational hypertension in pregnant lupus patients.

Abstract 12735: Autoimmune Recurrent Pericarditis in Pregnancy: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Background: Recurrent pericarditis in pregnancy is uncommon and the data regarding the safety and efficacy of conventional therapy is sparse. We describe a multidisciplinary approach to managing a challenging case of chronic, recurrent pericarditis in the setting of newly-diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pregnancy. Case: 28-year-old female at 24 weeks gestation with no known medical history presents with sharp, pleuritic and positional chest pain and hypotension. Transthoracic echocardiography reveals acute, effusive pericarditis with features of tamponade. Despite emergent pericardiocentesis, pericardial window placement and treatment with steroids, she had recurrence of pericarditis the following month. Due to the recurrent nature of pericarditis of unknown etiology and pregnancy, clinicians were faced with a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Decision Making: After extensive testing to rule out malignancy, bacterial and fungal infections, she was diagnosed with SLE - the culprit of her recurrent pericarditis. An multidisciplinary approach among cardiology, rheumatology and obstetrics was taken to determine an optimal therapeutic regimen and several risk-benefit discussions were conducted with the patient and family. In order to treat both recurrent pericarditis and SLE, she was tapered off of steroids initiated on Azathioprine 50 mg and low-dose Colchicine 0.3 mg twice daily. She was followed closely with cardiac MRI (Figure 1) and ultimately delivered a healthy child despite her new diagnoses. Conclusion: This case showcases the complexity of managing recurrent pericarditis in the setting of pregnancy and comorbid conditions and supports the use of Colchicine and Azathioprine for this population despite the lacking literature. This case also emphases the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, clinical acumen and the value of patient-centered care when determining a course of therapy for a challenging patient.

Hydroxychloroquine in Lupus Pregnancy: What Do We Know?

Hydroxychloroquine in Lupus Pregnancy: What Do We Know?

Comparison of the Efficacy of Intralesional Tranexamic Acid Versus Topical 4% Hydroquinone in Treating Melasma.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of intralesional tranexamic acid and topical 4% hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma.Study design: This comparative prospective study was conducted at the Dermatology Department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan from October 16, 2018 to April 16, 2019.Methodology: A total of 290 patients with melasma, 18 to 50 years of age, were included in this study. Patients with a history of discoid lupus erythematosus, pregnancy, lactation, anemia, and oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy were excluded from the study. Randomization was 1:1 for groups A and B, i.e., each upcoming patient was included in the next group. This randomization was supervised by another clinician. One hundred forty-five patients were placed in group A (intralesional tranexamic acid), while 145 were enrolled in group B (topical 4% hydroquinone). Follow-up was done at four weekly intervals for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the final response was assessed.Results: In group A, the average age was 33.74 ± 6.67 years, while in group B it was 32.08 ± 6.08 years. Among the entire patients, the majority of the patients, 207 (71.38%), were in the age range of 18 to 35 years. Intralesional tranexamic acid was efficacious in 64 (44.14%) patients, while 47 (32.41%) of group B (topical 4% hydroquinone) showed complete improvement (p-value = 0.040).Conclusion: This study concluded that using intralesional tranexamic acid is more effective in treating melasma than topical 4% hydroquinone.

Egyptian recommendations for treating to target of lupus nephritis: an evidence-based consensus on clinical practice recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis and pregnancy

BackgroundNephritis is known to be one of the most serious complications of lupus and a strong predictor of poor outcome. This study was carried out aiming at setting up an up-to-date recommendation for the management of women living with lupus nephritis and planning for a family throughout conception, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.Ten key clinical questions were identified by the scientific committee according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Timing (PICOT) approach. The literature review team performed a systematic review to summarise evidence advocating the benefits and harms of available pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for women living with lupus nephritis (LN) and planning for a family. Subsequently, recommendations were formulated. The level of evidence was determined for each section using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) system. A 2-round Delphi process was conducted with 24 experts. All rounds were conducted online. A consensus was achieved on the direction and the strength of the recommendations.ResultsAn online questionnaire was sent to an expert panel who participated in the two rounds (response rate 100%). At the end of round 2, a total of 20 recommendation items, categorised into 10 domains to address the main LN with pregnancy categories, were obtained. The percentage of those who agreed with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 88.5 to 100%. On the phrasing of all the clinical standards defined by the scientific committee, a consensus was reached (i.e., 75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed). An algorithm for the management of LN with pregnancy has been suggested.ConclusionThese recommendations provide an updated consensus on the pharmacological treatment of LN with pregnancy and strategies to reach optimal outcomes for both the mother and newborn in common clinical scenarios, based on a combination of evidence and expert opinion. Best treatment decisions should be tailored to each individual patient’s situation.