Preconception, pregnancy, and lactation in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex and chronic disease which impacts on the reproductive function of patients suffering this condition. This assertion is supported by the fact that lupus patients have a smaller family size in comparison to the general population as well as a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. While this disease per se does not affect fertility, there are several other factors affecting fertility such as age, drugs, disease activity, damage-related disease, and some comorbidities. Currently, there are several interventions to preserve fertility with very good outcomes, among them, cryopreservation or the use of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists. It is recommended that lupus patients be in low disease activity or in remission for at least six months before conception and pregnancy. If the latter is achieved, multidisciplinary management is very important and recommended, but in particular, physicians must know how to differentiate between a lupus flare and pregnancy-related hypertension. The efficacy and safety of antimalarials throughout pregnancy has been demonstrated so its use must be continued and encouraged. Taking into account all the above, fertility and pregnancy in lupus patients must be an integral part of the management of this disease.