How to use hormones in pregnant and lactating patients with lupus erythematosus? (Reprinted)

Contraindications to pregnancy in patients with SLE: severe relapse of SLE within the past 6 months, such as active lupus nephritis; severe pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome despite treatment; severe pulmonary hypertension (expected pulmonary artery systolic pressure >50 mmHg or onset of symptoms); severe restrictive lung disease (force spirometry <1l); < p="">chronic renal failure (blood creatinine >247.8 umol/L). Ma Wu Kai, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Traditional Chinese Medicine, application of hormones in patients before and during pregnancy; no significant organ damage before pregnancy, stable disease for 1 year or more, cytotoxic immunosuppressants discontinued for 6 months, hormones not affecting pregnancy when maintained only with prednisone ≤10 mg/d. During pregnancy, hormones should be used with caution and the lowest effective dose should be applied, preferably prednisone <20 mg/d. In case of active disease, immediate termination of pregnancy is required in case of severe life-threatening disease. If pregnancy can continue after evaluation of the condition, increase the hormone dose as appropriate (prednisone ≤ 30 mg/d). prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone are recommended, and dexamethasone and betamethasone are not recommended. The use of hormones during the third trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of fetal cleft lip and palate; therefore, the use of medium to high doses of hormones during the third trimester of pregnancy is not recommended. Stress doses should be used during delivery in patients who have been treated with hormones for a long time. Intravenous methylprednisolone shock therapy may be considered in case of disease recurrence. In late pregnancy, dexamethasone may be used to promote fetal lung maturation. During lactation, prednisone is relatively safe at 20-30 mg/d. It is recommended to take hormones for more than 4 h before lactation. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is recommended until the end of the lactation period. Management of congenital heart block in fetal lupus syndrome: The most common cardiac manifestation of fetal lupus syndrome is congenital heart block, which has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Trans-placental administration of fluorinated hormones (dexamethasone and betamethasone) improves the survival of fetuses with congenital heart block, but these drugs also carry a higher risk of intrauterine growth retardation and preterm delivery. Prevention of morbid pregnancy due to antiphospholipid antibodies: Antiphospholipid antibodies are present in approximately 1 in 4-1 in 2 SLE patients, and the main problem for pregnancies in SLE patients exposed to antiphospholipid antibodies is the increased risk of morbid pregnancy. Anticoagulation is the primary means of prevention, and the combination of hormones and aspirin may reduce the risk of morbid pregnancy, but the occurrence of maternal complications should be considered.