Journal
LUPUS
Volume 16, Issue 8, Pages 651-656Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
DOI: 10.1177/0961203307079569
Keywords
autoimmunity; immunosuppressive therapy; pregnancy; neonatal immune system
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The administration of immunosuppressive drugs during pregnancy is often necessary in women with autoimmune diseases. Teratogenicity of immunosuppressives during pregnancy has been evaluated, only few data exist about the effects on immune systems. We therefore performed a pilot study on the influence of foetal exposure to immunosuppressives Oil immune function of babies born to mothers with autoimmune disorders. We investigated serological and cellular parameters as indicators of immune system status. We included in the study 14 babies (mean age I I months, range 1-24) born to mothers with autoimmune diseases and exposed in utero to different immunosuppressants and, as controls, 14 babies whose mothers had autoimmune manifestations but did not receive immunosuppressive therapy. We evaluated: (i) complete blood count, (ii) immunoglobulin levels and IgG subclasses, (iii) antibody response to hepatitis B vaccine, (iv) leukocyte subpopulations and (v) interleukin-2 and interferon gamma in vitro production by resting or activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We did not find statistically significant differences between exposed and not exposed babies or among treatments for the tested parameters. Immunosuppressive regimens currently in use for controlling maternal autoimmune disorders do not significantly affect the immune status of the offspring.
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