Clinical predictors of fetal and maternal outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus:: a prospective study of 103 pregnancies

Objective. Our aim was to assess the outcome of pregnancy in a cohort of patients with SLE and to evaluate clinical and laboratory markers for fetal outcome and maternal flares. Methods. Sixty patients with 103 pregnancies were evaluated prospectively between 1984 and 1999. Results. There were 68 live births, 15 spontaneous abortions, 12 stillbirths and eight therapeutic abortions. Of liveborn infant births, 19 were premature, 24 had suffered intrauterine growth restriction and one had neonatal lupus. Maternal lupus flares occurred in 33% of pregnancies, mostly in the second trimester (26%) and in the post-partum period (51%). Flares during pregnancy showed a statistically significant association with discontinuation of chloroquine treatment, a history of more than three flares before gestation, and a SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) score of greater than or equal to5 in these flares. Antiphospholipid antibodies, C3 hypocomplementaemia and hypertension during pregnancy were significantly associated with fetal loss, prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction. Conclusions. Patients with more active SLE and those with aPL antibodies and hypertension should be monitored and managed carefully during pregnancy.