In a study published by Shimada et al in the journal Lupus, specific parameters of disease activity at conception increased the chances of preterm birth and low birth weight weight among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. In the Japanese study, investigators studied 60 pregnancies, and found that C3 levels and anti–double stranded DNA antibody titers at conception were both associated with preterm birth, while C3 and CH50 levels were both associated with low birth weight. The researchers concluded that these parameters of disease activity were associated with these adverse pregnancy outcomes, and added, “strictly monitoring and controlling these disease activity parameters, with or without clinical manifestation, is important for women who want to become mothers.”
June 02, 2023