How does lupus erythematosus affect pregnancy?

A person can be born with a gene that makes them more likely to get lupus. The person may then be exposed to something in the environment and cause the disease. Until now, medicine still does not know exactly what causes lupus erythematosus. So what exactly is lupus erythematosus?

Video content is professionally consulted by Dr., Doctor Nguyen Van Dinh - Head of Allergy - Clinical Immunology Unit - Vinmec Times City Hospital

In simple terms, the body's immune system protects people from bacteria, viruses and other intruders that can cause disease in the body. But in patients with lupus erythematosus, their immune systems mistakenly attack and damage their own tissues. Hence it is also known as an autoimmune disease.
Lupus erythematosus is common in women mainly of childbearing age, so pregnancy issues need special attention, Lupus disease and pregnancy process have an interaction. According to many studies, the pregnancy process is one of the factors causing the onset of acute flares of lupus erythematosus due to hormonal changes in the body. The most affected organs in the acute phase are skin, kidneys, blood and joints, in which kidney damage is the most severe with manifestations of glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, renal failure, which is one of the prognostic factors. bad, can lead to maternal death during pregnancy. Lupus erythematosus also causes severe effects on the patient's pregnancy process, leading to many risks for both mother and fetus, such as miscarriage and stillbirth rates, preterm birth, and fetal growth retardation in Lupus pregnant patients are much higher than the rate in the community.
If a patient has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and intends to become pregnant, it is necessary to inform the treating physician because it is not always possible for a patient with lupus erythematosus to become pregnant because there are can make the disease worse. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, the patient needs to prepare in advance, when the disease is stable and the disease is well controlled, the chance of pregnancy success will be higher.
For patients with lupus erythematosus, certain autoimmune antibodies pose a risk to pregnancy. In some patients circulating antibodies to SSA, SSB (causes dry eyes, dry lips, dry skin, dry exocrine glands in patients with lupus erythematosus), this antibody with high concentrations in maternal blood crosses the placenta. causes congenital heart block, makes the baby's heart irregular, sporadic and can cause neonatal lupus.
In summary, for pregnant women with lupus erythematosus, there should be a specific plan from before pregnancy, during pregnancy and childbirth, and monitored by specialists to prevent complications. dangerous to both mother and fetus.