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Pregnancy Lupus Erythematosus |
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Pregnancy Health -
Questions
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Pregnancy And Lupus Erythematosus.What is lupus?
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) is a disease of unknown cause that affects women more often than men (about 9 to 1). A woman with lupus has a large number of antibodies in her bloodstream that are directed toward her own tissues. This can affect various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, muscles, lungs, brain and central nervous system. Why is lupus a concern in pregnancy?
Lupus occurs most often in young or middle-aged women who may become pregnant. The risk of miscarriage, premature delivery and complications around the time of delivery may increase in women with lupus.
What are the symptoms of lupus?
The most common symptom is joint pain. Other symptoms include a rash, skin sores, fever, kidney problems and hypertension.
How is lupus treated?
Steroids is the drug of choice to treat lupus. The most commonly prescribed steroid is prednisone. Many studies on the safety of prednisone during pregnancy have found it to be safe.
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