SLE in pregnancy

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease which is frequently found in young women, causing inflammation of multiple organ systems such as skin, kidneys, nervous system and joints. The American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria (table1) is used as a guideline to approach the patients.⁽¹⁾ It was thought to be rare disease in the past. Today, with more sensitive laboratory tests, the aware ness and the use of medications precipitating lupus, the incidence is about 1 in 1,000.⁽²⁾The disease tends to effect young women, therefore it is relatively common in pregnancy. The prevalence in childbear ing-aged women is about 1 in 500.⁽²⁾ It is, therefore, the collagen vascular disease most frequently found during pregnancy.⁽³⁾