- a disease of connective tissue (synovial membrane destruction) with joint inflammation and contractures.
- symptoms improved during pregnancy because of increased circulating corticosteroids in the maternal bloodstream which recur during postpartum.
- with corticosteroid and salicylate therapy, prolonged pregnancy results. Salicylate interferes prostaglandin synthesis that it inhibits labor process.
- due to salicylates, infant can have bleeding defects and premature closure of ductus arteriosus. Also, women should not breastfeed.
- salicylate dose must be decreased 2 weeks before term.
- is a multi system chronic degenerative disease of connective tissues. Symptoms are controlled during pregnancy and exacerbates after delivery.
- most marked characteristic is the erythematous "butterfly-shaped" rash on the face.
- most serious kidney change is the fibrin deposite that blocks glomeruli leading to necrosis and scarring, expect renal failure. thickening collagen tissues in the vascular system pose life threatening situation.
- clients with SLE has antiphospholipid antibodies which increases tendency for thrombi formation.
- SLE is associated to infants small for gestational age, abortion,premature birth and anemia.
