Systemic lupus erythematosus, often abbreviated to SLE, is an autoimmune disease that affects nine times as many women as men.
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus generate a large number of antibodiesA protein immunoglobulin which is produced naturally by the body and is essential to the immune system by working to combat foreign bodies, germs or bacteria. They are produced by thelymphoid tissue and consist of different classes each of which is designed to fight specific antigens. They include agglutinins, bacteriolysins, opsonins and preciptin.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. that attack the body's own tissues and cells. Many parts of the body are affected. Lupus is responsible for organ damage to the joints, skin, kidneys and lung damage, attacks to the muscles, brain and central nervous systemAn intricate network of structures that runs extensively throughout the body and activates, coordinates and controls all functions of the body.
The nervous system consists of two parts, the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the cranial nerves and spinal nerves.
Afferent fibers carry sensory impulses to the central nervous system. Efferent fibers carry motor impulses in the form of electrical energy from the central nervous system to the muscles and other organs.
Somatic fibers are those associated with the bones, muscles and the skin. Visceral fibers are those associated with the internal organs, blood vessels and mucus membrane. All of the functions are coordinated by a network of tiny structures including neurons, axons, dendrites and ganglia.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions..
There are a number of symptoms that indicate the presence of lupus. Joint pain, often mistaken for arthritis, is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include rashes or skin sores, lesions, fever and high blood pressure (hypertension) and in some cases hair loss. Either a lupus antibody test or an antinuclear antibody test will be used to confirm the diagnosis. Some doctors verify the results using both tests.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
The cause of lupus is unknown. What is known is that about ninety percent (9 in 10) cases of lupus occur in women between the ages of 15 and 65.
If lupus is in remission during conception there is risk that the disease will flare up during pregnancy. Your doctor will expect a relapse and will take steps to manage the pregnancy carefully to minimize the risk of miscarriage. You will need to consult with your obstetrician and your own specialist and create a plan tailored for your pregnancy. Experts suggest that a flare up during pregnancy will not increase the severity of lupus symptoms.
If your condition includes kidney damage there is a fifty percent (1 in 2) risk of developing preeclampsia during the third trimester. Your doctor will take special care to throughout your pregnancy and especially during the third trimester to monitor your kidney function for any problems.
If you have systemic lupus erythematosus your doctor will monitor you closely for signs of intrauterine growth retardation. Small babies occur in fifty percent (1 in 2) lupus pregnancies. During your pregnancy you will undergo a series of ultrasounds and nonstress tests.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
Until recently stillbirths were common in lupus pregnancies, but advances in modern medicine have greatly reduced this concern. There is a slight increase in the incidence of premature delivery in lupus pregnancies, and your baby will be delivered by cesarean section. There is small risk of delivery complications (congenital heart block or neonatal lupus), but this is rare.
Lupus is treated either with corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. During pregnancy most doctors advise against using anti-inflammatory medication, recommending instead a daily treatment of the steroid prednisone. Studies have found prednisone to be safe for use during pregnancy, but your doctor may suggest changing your dose either increasing it or reducing it depending on your individual requirements.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
