OBSTETRIC MANAGEMENT OF THE HIGH-RISK LUPUS PREGNANCY

With improvements in diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis of patient s with systemic lupus erythematosus has generally improved in recent y ears, and similarly the outlook for women who become pregnant in the s etting of this disorder is far more optimistic than it once was. The r isk of significant morbidity to both the mother and fetus still exists , however. Beginning with preconception counseling, a careful and thor ough approach to the care of the patient and cooperation among her var ious health care providers optimizes the chance of a successful pregna ncy outcome.