Active lupus and pregnancy: How to handle.

ABSTRACT

We report herein the case of a 20-year-old Thai woman who developed lupus flare in the second trimester of pregnancy, as manifested by autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and glomerulonephritis. The patient underwent treatment with intravenous dexamethasone and, subsequently, pulse methylprednisolone to control plausible lupus exacerbation in the central nervous system. The disease subsided after an inevitable development of spontaneous abortion. We reviewed the current status of knowledge on interactions between pregnancy and systemic lupus erythematosus, proper management, and safety immunosuppressive drugs to ensure a more favorable outcome. This will be helpful for physicians to provide sound advice regarding pregnancy for lupus patients in their reproductive years.