Image Based Question-65303

A patient with the following condition as shown in the picture below very much wants to become pregnant. What should her physician tell her regarding pregnancy in these cases?

A. There is no increased risk to the baby.

B. There may be an increase in cardiovascular malformations.

C. There may be an increase in nervous system malformations.

D. There may be an increase in spontaneous abortions and prematurity.

Correct Answer » D Explanation

The patient as shown in the picture above represents rashes (butterfly rashes) on her face which is most commonly seen in cases of SLE.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects younger women. Patients with SLE have an increased incidence of spontaneous abortion, fetal death in utero, and prematurity. The mother may experience an exacerbation in the activity of her disease in the third trimester or peripartum period, and it may be difficult to distinguish between active SLE and preeclampsia. Therapy of pregnant patients with SLE is problematic, and the generalist should consult the literature or a specialist when such a patient is encountered.Congenital malformations (choices B, C, and D) are not a complication of pregnancies in patients with SLE.