SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS - MONITORING OF ACTIVITY IN PREGNANCY

To evaluate the effect of pregnancy on systemic lupus erythematosus (S LE) activity, the authors studied 35 patients with definite SLE (ARA c riteria, 1982). SLE activity was estimated every trimester of pregnanc y and 3-14 months after the delivery. The disease activity was judged by scores (SLEDAI, version I and II) and by an increase in prednisolon e dose more than 5 mg/day. The activity score elevated in 31% (SLEDAI I) or in 17% (SLEDAI II) during pregnancy was similar to frequency of flares after the child's birth (34% or 23%, respectively). In 22 (63%) of 35 patients the steroid dosage was increased during pregnancy vers us 3 (8.5%) patients postpartum. The most frequent SLE complications o bserved in pregnancy were renal, CNS and mucocutaneous disorders. The frequency of SLE exacerbations and outcomes of pregnancy were related to the disease activity in conception.