Pregnancy in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Retrospective Study of 83 Pregnancies at a Single Centre

Objective : To evaluate the outcome of 80 pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and explore the risk factors for lupus flare, obstetric complications and fetal loss. Methods : 83 pregnancies in 80 women were divided into three groups. Group A: patients in remission for > 6 months before pregnancy, proteinuria < 0.5 g per day, without renal failure and discontinuation of cytotoxic drugs for > one year; Group B: patients with SLE disease activity in the six months before pregnancy; Group C: patients with new onset SLE during pregnancy. Results : In group A, 76.47% pregnancies achieved full-term deliveries and 80.39% achieved live born infants. In group B and C, the outcome was poor. Among 62 patients (64 pregnancies) diagnosed as SLE before pregnancy, SLE flares occurred in 27 (42.19%) pregnancies. SLE disease activity in the six months before pregnancy was significantly associated with lupus flare (OR 5.00, 95% CI 1.14–21.87, p = 0.03) and fetal loss. New onset lupus during pregnancy was independently associated with obstetric complications (OR 7.22, 95% CI 2.14–24.38, p = 0.001). Conclusions : The current study confirmed the previous report that SLE should be considered a high risk of pregnancy. If pregnancy is planned after remission for > 6 months, the favorable outcome can be achieved.