4,192 results match your criteria: "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pregnancy"

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an intricate autoimmune disease characterized by its impact on various organ systems, presenting with a wide range of clinical manifestations such as hematologic, neuropsychiatric, mucocutaneous, serosal, musculoskeletal, immunologic, cardiac, pleuropulmonary, and renal symptoms. Although its etiology is primarily autoimmune, various triggers, such as pregnancy, certain drugs, and infections, can result in "flares" with frequent relapses. Although more common in females, SLE is not uncommon in males, with a significant proportion experiencing a high disease burden.

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Effect of hydroxychloroquine on pregnancy outcome in patients with SLE: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lupus Sci Med

October 2024

Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Objective: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial drug employed in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Prior studies reported inconsistent results regarding the association between HCQ use during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of HCQ on pregnancy-related outcomes in women with SLE.

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Objective/aim: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is common in women of childbearing age and is associated with obstetric complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of pregnancy and its results in SLE patients with a history of pregnancy.

Methods: Pregnant patients with SLE who applied to the Rheumatology outpatient clinic of between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively screened.

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Autoimmune Condition Diagnosis Following Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

Am J Reprod Immunol

October 2024

Department of Reproductive Biology, MetroHealth Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Cleveland, USA.

Problem: Research has suggested a link between recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and cell-mediated immunity dysregulation. We aimed to determine if a history of RPL is associated with diagnosis of a cell-mediated autoimmune condition (AIC).

Method Of Study: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX research network.

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Fetal-hope study: Home monitoring of fetal heart rate in SSA + pregnant women: Rationale and design.

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol

December 2024

Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.

Article Synopsis
  • About 0.5-1% of women of childbearing age have anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies, potentially leading to Neonatal Lupus, primarily manifesting as complete heart block (AVB) in fetuses.
  • The study aims to assess the effectiveness of home monitoring of fetal heart rates using a handheld device in pregnant women with these antibodies and to see if early treatment can help.
  • Currently, patients are being recruited across 11 Italian centers for a prospective observational study, with regular monitoring and check-ups to track maternal and fetal health outcomes.
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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disease characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies, thrombosis, and obstetric complications. While patients with APS can have successful pregnancies, many important considerations exist. APS can also cooccur with other systemic autoimmune diseases which can affect pregnancy, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus.

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily impacting women of childbearing age. While pregnancy and hormonal stress can trigger SLE flare-ups, the effects of assisted reproductive therapies (ARTs) on SLE patients are not well defined. We conducted a search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL until March 20, 2024, to find observational studies assessing the prevalence of SLE flares and pregnancy outcomes following ARTs.

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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by blood clots and pregnancy complications due to antiphospholipid antibodies. Catastrophic APS (CAPS), a severe variant, leads to multiorgan failure and is often fatal. Pathogenesis involves antiphospholipid antibodies, particularly anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI), which trigger endothelial cell (EC) activation, cytokine release, and a prothrombotic state.

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Article Synopsis
  • The investigation analyzes data from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to assess real-world adverse reactions related to Belimumab, aiming to enhance clinical safety in its use.
  • Over 19,825 adverse drug event reports pertaining to Belimumab were analyzed, revealing that the majority of affected patients were females aged 18 to 64.9 years, with systemic disorders and infections being the most reported issues.
  • The study highlights significant adverse reactions not listed on product labeling, such as hypersensitivity and herpes zoster infections, suggesting the need for improved communication on these risks in clinical settings.*
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Article Synopsis
  • Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes blood clots and pregnancy issues due to persistent antiphospholipid antibodies.
  • Treatment typically involves long-term anticoagulation therapy, which only manages symptoms and doesn't cure the condition.
  • A case study shows that a woman treated with CAR T-Cell therapy for lymphoma achieved a lasting reduction in all types of antiphospholipid antibodies, indicating a potential new treatment avenue using immunotherapy.
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  • Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) causes health-related quality of life (HRQoL) issues, manifesting through thrombosis and pregnancy losses, and has been previously viewed as less burdensome than systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • The study involved 112 APS patients, assessing their HRQoL using the SF-36 and WHOQoL-BREF questionnaires, revealing significant impairment compared to healthy individuals, with no notable difference between those with primary APS and those with APS/SLE.
  • Both groups showed similar levels of HRQoL impairment, emphasizing the importance of diagnosis and management in reducing complications like thrombosis and miscarriages to improve life quality.
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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates how Th1 and Th2 cell responses change in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to healthy women.
  • Results showed higher levels of Th1-related factors (T-bet and IFN-γ) and lower levels of Th2-related factors (GATA3 and IL-4) in SLE patients during pregnancy.
  • These findings suggest that the Th1/Th2 balance is disrupted in SLE patients, potentially impacting pregnancy outcomes negatively.
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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by hypercoagulability, manifesting as venous or arterial thrombosis, and pregnancy-related complications, such as fetal loss, pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia. These conditions occur in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), including anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and/or a positive lupus anticoagulant (LA) test. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can manifest as a primary, isolated condition or be associated with connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

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Article Synopsis
  • * The study utilized an in vitro model with dHL-60 neutrophil-like cells and a venous stenosis mouse model to examine how antibodies against B19V (B19V-VP1u IgG) influence NETosis and subsequent thrombosis.
  • * Results showed that exposure to B19V-VP1u IgG enhanced NET formation and thrombus size
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Article Synopsis
  • Feto-maternal microchimerism refers to the exchange of cells between a mother and her fetus during pregnancy, impacting health for both parties even into later life.
  • The effects of these transferred cells can be harmful for the mother—linked to complications like pre-eclampsia and autoimmune diseases—but may also have beneficial roles in tissue healing and disease recovery.
  • Research is limited on how maternal microchimeric cells could contribute to autoimmune conditions in the child, particularly conditions like Type 1 diabetes and neonatal lupus, where these cells might either harm or assist in the immune response.
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Background And Aims: Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborns have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Recognizing the risk factors for SGA helps raise early awareness of the issue and provides valuable insights for both healthcare providers and pregnant women. We aimed to identify determinants of SGA using population-based databases in Taiwan.

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Systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic autoimmune diseases affecting women of childbearing age. These diseases may impair fertility and fecundity, as well as complicate pregnancy and the puerperium in these patients including disease flare and obstetric complications on both the maternal and fetal side. For each patient, an appropriate preconceptional counseling with risk stratification is required, including assessment of disease activity, organ involvement, serological profile, and comorbidities.

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Contraceptive Care in the Rheumatic Diseases: A Review.

J Clin Rheumatol

October 2024

Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.

Article Synopsis
  • - Contraception is crucial for individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) to prevent undesired pregnancies and improve reproductive health, yet many do not receive tailored counseling regarding their options.
  • - The review highlights the availability of safe contraceptive methods for females with RMDs, emphasizing the need for specialized care for conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome due to their unique risks.
  • - There is a lack of contraceptive options for male patients, and while guidelines for adolescents with RMDs can follow those for adults, additional focus on protection against STIs is necessary. Future studies should explore how contraception affects RMD activity and associated side effects.
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Methotrexate: Use in the Post Dobbs v. Jackson Era.

J Clin Rheumatol

October 2024

From the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.

Article Synopsis
  • Methotrexate is a commonly prescribed medication for various rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, originally developed for cancer treatment in the 1960s and approved for RA in 1988.
  • It has been used for medical abortions and can cause serious birth defects, affecting 6%-10% of pregnant women taking it, making its use complex in light of current abortion policies in the U.S. after the Dobbs ruling.
  • The Dobbs decision has influenced healthcare providers' and patients' views on methotrexate, suggesting an expanded role for rheumatologists in addressing patients' reproductive health concerns.
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Lupus nephritis-related chronic kidney disease.

Nat Rev Rheumatol

November 2024

Department of Medicine IV, Hospital of LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.

Lupus nephritis is a common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a determinant of overall morbidity and mortality, as lupus nephritis-related chronic kidney disease (CKD) drives cardiovascular disease and secondary immunodeficiency. Two lines of action are required to prevent the progression of lupus nephritis-related CKD: suppression of autoimmune SLE activity, which is a risk factor for immunopathology-related irreversible kidney injury, and management of non-immune risk factors that contribute to CKD progression. As each episode or relapse of active lupus nephritis implicates CKD progression, preventing flares of lupus nephritis is a key treatment target.

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Objective: We evaluated the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with adverse pregnancy outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: The Hopkins Lupus Cohort includes visits of pregnant patients, including assessment of 25(OH)D levels at each visit. We examined the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage, preterm delivery, and small for gestational age).

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the effectiveness and safety of intravenous iron (ferric carboxymaltose) compared to oral iron (ferrous sulfate) in treating anemia and iron deficiency in pregnant women in Nigeria.
  • Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, the research focused on pregnant women with low hemoglobin levels from various health facilities in Nigeria, while adhering to specific exclusion criteria.
  • The trial aimed to evaluate primary outcomes including maternal anemia at 36 weeks of gestation and the incidence of preterm births, noting that a significant number of screened participants were found ineligible for the study.
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Immune Cells and Infectious Diseases in Preeclampsia Susceptibility.

Can J Cardiol

December 2024

Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada; School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Electronic address:

Article Synopsis
  • Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy disorder affecting about 10% of pregnancies globally, characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks, which poses risks to both mothers and babies.
  • The condition's rising incidence is linked to factors like older maternal age and existing cardiovascular issues, with emerging ties to autoimmune and infectious diseases that can affect placental health.
  • The review underscores the importance of understanding the immune mechanisms involved in preeclampsia, advocating for better diagnosis and monitoring of related diseases during pregnancy to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants.
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Causal pathways in preeclampsia: a Mendelian randomization study in European populations.

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne)

September 2024

Department of Gynecology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.

Article Synopsis
  • The study uses Mendelian Randomization to investigate causal links between various risk factors and preeclampsia, a serious condition during pregnancy that affects maternal and infant health.
  • Using a large sample size of over 267,000 individuals, the research identifies significant genetic associations, particularly with hyperthyroidism, BMI, type 2 diabetes, and serum uric acid levels, while finding no links with gestational diabetes and other factors.
  • The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of preeclampsia's causes to inform preventative and treatment strategies in the future.
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