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Objective: In this study, our pregnant systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort, which was under medical surveillance of both our Rheumatology and Obstetrics departments, was analyzed. We intended to determine the effects of pregnancy on disease activity and the correlation between disease flares and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: One hundred sixty eight pregnancy data involving 136 patients with SLE were examined. Cumulative clinical, laboratory, and serological parameters were described. Disease activity and flares were calculated using the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) in the pre/postpartum periods and the SLEPDAI in the three trimesters of pregnancy. Patients with a SLEDAI-2K or SLEPDAI ≥ 4 were classified as "active." Patients with lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) during each of these periods were identified. Fetal/neonatal death, premature birth due to pre-eclampsia, eclampsia or hemolysis, elevated Liver enzymes (HELLP) syndrome, and neonates small for gestational age were determined as adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). Results: Out of 168 pregnancies, there were 60 (35.7%) pregnancies with flares covering the pregnancy and 6 months of postpartum period. The mean SLEDAI in the 6 months postpartum period was significantly higher compared to mean disease activity during pregnancy (p <.05). Of all pregnancies, 132 (78.6%) were in LLDAS during pregnancy. Comparison of the frequency of severe postpartum flares in patients who were in LLDAS during pregnancy revealed a lower percentage of flares compared to those who were not in the LLDAS group (11 vs 29%, p <.05). APO was observed in 33.9% of 168 pregnancies. The mean SLEPDAI score was significantly higher in APO+ pregnancies than in APO− pregnancies (4.9 ± 6.1 vs 2.8 ± 4.9, p =.002). Comparison of SLICC damage score between APO – and + pregnancies revealed a significantly higher score in APO+ pregnancies (1.8 ± 2.1 vs 0.8 ± 1.3, p =.001). Conclusion: Postpartum six-month period appears to have the highest risk for disease flares during SLE pregnancies. Disease activity during pregnancy increases the risk of APO. In order to achieve a positive pregnancy outcome and lower maternal morbidity, regular follow-up of patients is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To provide outcome data concerning pregnancies exposed to the Interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors prior to conception in both men and women, during pregnancy and breast feeding. Methods Retrospective data were collected from members of the International Society for Systemic Autoinflammatory diseases and collated in a single centre. A uniform data collection sheet was used to obtain standardized data including maternal age and diagnosis, type, duration of and response to IL-1 blockade, pregnancy duration, delivery, mode of feeding and neonatal development. Results There were 31 maternal-exposed pregnancies from seven countries and we report the first data on paternal exposure: six to anakinra and five to canakinumab, with no negative outcomes. We also report the first data on canakinumab-exposed pregnancies: eight pregnancies that resulted in the delivery of seven healthy infants of normal gestational age and birthweight. There were 23 anakinra-exposed pregnancies resulting in the birth of 21 healthy infants, and one baby with unilateral renal agenesis and ectopic neurohypophysis. There were two first trimester miscarriages affecting a mother with active disease. There were no serious neonatal infections. Fourteen infants were breast fed with no complications. There were no reports of developmental delay, with follow-up of up to 10 years (median 18 months). Conclusion This series substantially increases the published experience of IL-1 blockade and reproduction including the first data on canakinumab and on paternal exposure to these agents. Data are generally reassuring, although the case of renal agenesis is the second reported in an anakinra-exposed pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: To evaluate the sonographic characteristics of fetuses with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. Materials and Methods: From March 2002 to December 2006, we reviewed the database and medical records of 25 cases with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. The subjects were recruited from pregnant women undergoing prenatal sonographic examinations at 13-28 weeks of gestation and subsequently proven trisomy 18 or 13. The results of ultrasound findings were reviewed in these cases with chromosomes confirmed as trisomy 18 and/or 13. Results: All cases had at least one abnormal sonographic finding. The common sonographic findings included choroid plexus cysts, abnormal head shape, cardiac anomalies, holoprosencephaly with associated facial anomalies, abnormal feet and/or hands, especially polydactyly, clenched hand, omphalocele. Non-structural abnormal findings such as polyhydroamnios or fetal growth restriction were seen in less than one third of the fetuses. Discussion: Nearly all fetuses with trisomy 18 or 13 had characteristic sonographic patterns of abnormalities demonstrated at midpregnancy. Detailed ultrasound at midpregnancy could effectively screen fetuses with trisomy 18 or 13 for further genetic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]