Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)predilects in women in child-bearing period,who unavoidably face problems of procreation. Nowadays, pregnancy is no longer looked as contraindication in SLE patients. Pregnancy may induce or even aggravate SLE, and SLE could affect the process and outcome of pregnancy, even lead to abortion, fetal death, stillbirth, fetal growth restriction or induce the development of neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE). So it is important for clinicians to learn the changes in immunology and hormone levels in women with SLE that may contribute to pregnancy and fetus, to be knowledgeable about the indication for SLE patients to be pregnant, to apply effective immunosuppressants and right care, and to control patients' condition so as to ensure normal pregnancy and childbirth. Key words: Lupus erythematosus, systemic;  Pregnancy;  Immunosuppressive agents