Lupus
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Good survival rates in systemic lupus erythematosus in southern Sweden, while the mortality rate remains increased compared with the population.
To ascertain the mortality rate and causes of death in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) within a defined region in southern Sweden during the time period 1981-2014 and determine whether these have changed over time. ⋯ In this long-term epidemiologic follow-up study of incident SLE, we report a substantially raised mortality rate amongst SLE patients compared with the general population. The mortality rates have not changed significantly during the observation period that spanned three decades. The main cause of death was cardiovascular disease and this finding was consistent over time.
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Observational Study
Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy: the challenge of improving antenatal care and outcomes.
The objective of this article is to describe maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) followed in a high-risk prenatal outpatient clinic at a referral center. ⋯ Despite the low percentages of women with pregestational and pregnancy-active disease, we found high incidences of maternal and perinatal complications. Preconception SLE activity increased gestational loss, and SLE activity during pregnancy increased prematurity. Effective immunosuppressive therapy was able to decrease clinical and laboratory activity of SLE; however, unfavorable perinatal outcomes still occurred, even when lupus activity was under control. Pregnancy in women with SLE is always a challenge.