Utero-placental and cerebrovascular indices in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus: Relation to disease activity and pregnancy outcome

Aim of the workTo assess maternal and fetal vascular indices in SLE patients during pregnancy, and the impact of disease activity on these vascular indices.Patients and methods30 pregnant SLE patients and 30 age -matched healthy females with uncomplicated pregnancies were assessed during the third trimester using ultrasonography (US) and Doppler study to detect fetal biometry, the uterine, umbilical (UA) and fetal middle cerebral (MCA) arterial resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices, as well as cerebro-placental ratio (CPR). Disease activity was determined using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).ResultsThe mean uterine artery PI, RI and the UA-PI in SLE group were significantly higher than controls (p value < 0.001), but no significant difference as regards UA-RI (p = 0.68) between both groups. There was unilateral uterine artery notch in 20% and bilateral in 6.7% while it was absent in 73.3%. The MCA-PI was significantly lower in SLE group (p = 0.003), Where the MCA-RI showed higher values than control (p < 0.001). The CPR showed a lower significant values for SLE group compared to controls (p < 0.001), while the PR interval was significantly higher in SLE group (p = 0.006). Fetal biometry showed no significant difference between two groups apart from higher abdominal circumference (AC) values in controls (p = 0.01). There was no significant correlation between abnormal vascular indices or biometric parameters and SLEDAI score (p > 0.05).ConclusionPregnancies in SLE are associated with abnormal maternal and fetal vascular indices. Doppler US can identify at-risk pregnancies and optimize the time of delivery; confirming a good pregnancy outcome.