Lupus and HELLP Syndrome: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects several organs and systems. This disease increases the risk of gestational hypertensive syndromes, which are clinical conditions characterized by increased blood pressure and maternal-fetal complications, including pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Case description: Twenty-four-year-old female patient, in her first pregnancy, with a diagnosis of SLE prior to pregnancy, which progressed to severe pre-eclampsia and HELLP. Discussion: Pregnant women with lupus gain greater relevance for presenting a wide variety of outcomes, from activation of the autoimmune disease, remission or even to remain unchanged throughout pregnancy. Furthermore, greater care is essential during pregnancy due to the complications that lupus can cause, such as Pre-Eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. In short, it is certain that, when the disease is active, it can be associated with: prematurity; fetal growth restriction; preeclampsia and eclampsia; increased risk of thrombosis, infection, thrombocytopenia and postpartum hemorrhage. Conclusion: Such clinical complications show the importance of strict control of SLE, before and during pregnancy, in order to avoid complications. Considering the importance of this topic in public health, this case is extremely relevant for the education of women with SLE, in order to promote a correct therapy before and during pregnancy through prenatal care, to avoid the evolution to this very serious pathology.