PREGNANCY WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: A CASE REPORT

Dr. Twinkle Sood*

ABSTRACT

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune connective tissue disorder that can affect multiple organ systems, including the skin, joints, kidneys, central nervous system, heart, lungs and liver. It is more prevalent among women than men and most women who are affected by the disease manifest it at some point during their reproductive years. Women with SLE are at higher risk of exacerbations of the disease during pregnancy. There is an increased risk of spontaneous abortions, intrauterine foetal death, preeclampsia, eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm delivery. I report a case of 30 year G3P1+1(L0), who was referred from a primary health centre at 24 weeks of gestation in view of low platelet count. Patient was admitted and after careful history taking, examination and investigations diagnosis of SLE was made. Regular fetomaternal monitoring was done and patient was induced at 38 weeks of gestation. She delivered a live male child with birth weight 2.75kg with no gross congenital anomaly. Postnatal period was uneventful. This case report highlights the importance of preconceptional counselling and multidisciplinary approach needed in lupus pregnancies for optimal maternal and foetal outcome.

Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune, chronic inflammatory, pregnancy.