Optimizing reproductive health management in lupus and Sjogren's syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: People with childbearing capacity who are diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) have specific and important reproductive health considerations. RECENT FINDINGS: Recommendations from the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) provide rheumatologists and other clinicians with guidance for reproductive health management of patients with rheumatic diseases. Patient-centered reproductive health counseling can help clinicians to operationalize the EULAR and ACR guidelines and enhance patient care. SUMMARY: Disease activity monitoring, risk factor stratification, and prescription of pregnancy-compatible medications during pregnancy help to anticipate complications and enhance pregnancy outcomes in SLE and SS. Assisted reproductive technologies are also safe among people with well-controlled disease. Safe and effective contraceptive methods are available for patients with SLE and SS, and pregnancy termination appears to be safe among these patients.

Duke Scholars

Author Megan Elizabeth Bowles Clowse Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology