Background
Since systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects women of reproductive age, pregnancy is a major concern.
Objective
To identify predictors of adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) in inactive or stable active SLE patients
Design
Prospective Cohort
Setting
Multicenter
Patients
385 patients (49% non-Hispanic White; 31% prior nephritis) with SLE in PROMISSE. Exclusion criteria were: proteinuria >1000 mg/24 hour, creatinine >1.2 mg/dL, prednisone >20 mg/day, or multi-fetal pregnancy.
Measurements
APO included: fetal/neonatal death; birth <36 weeks due to placental insufficiency, hypertension, or preeclampsia; and small for gestational age (SGA) <5%. Disease activity was assessed by SLEPDAI and physician's global assessment (PGA).
Results
APO occurred in 19.0% (95% CI: 15.2% - 23.2%) of pregnancies, fetal death (4%), neonatal death (1%), preterm delivery (9%), and SGA (10%). Severe flares in the second and third trimester occurred in 2.5% and 3.0%, respectively. Baseline predictors of APO included lupus anticoagulant positive (OR = 8.32, 95% CI: 3.59-19.26), antihypertensive use (OR = 7.05, 95% CI: 3.05 - 16.31), PGA>1 (OR = 4.02, 95% CI: 1.84 - 8.82) and platelets (OR = 1.33 per 50K decrease, 95% CI:1.09-1.63); non-Hispanic White was protective (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24-0.84). Maternal flares, higher disease activity, and smaller increase in C3 later in pregnancy also predicted APO. Among women without baseline risk factors, the APO rate was 7.8%. For those either LAC positive, or LAC negative but non-White or Hispanic and taking antihypertensives, APO rate was 58%; fetal/neonatal mortality 22%.
Limitations
Excluded patients with high disease activity.
Conclusions
In pregnant SLE patients with inactive or stable mild/moderate disease, severe flares are infrequent, and absent specific risk factors, outcomes are favorable.
Primary Funding Source
National Institutes of Health
