DISEASE ACTIVITY AT CONCEPTION PREDICTS LUPUS FLARE UP TO 2 YEARS AFTER BIRTH: A MULTICENTRE LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP STUDY

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often affects women in their childbearing years, and pregnancy may affect SLE disease activity during pregnancy and post-partum (1,2). Limited data assessing the likelihood and characteristics of SLE activity in an extended time period post-partum which may be relevant as patients may wish further pregnancies exist. Objectives: To assess predicting factors that might influence SLE disease activity in women in an extended follow-up period of 2 years after giving birth and clinical assessment every three months. Methods: The study was design as an international retrospective, data-driven case collection study, enrolling 119 women with a first birth and with a strictly monitored follow-up period of 2 years.