OBJECTIVE: To obtain the experience of selected experts in the use of antimalarial drugs (AM) in pregnancy and lactation in systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS: Seventy-eight lupus experts identified from North America and UK were mailed a 19 question survey regarding their experience using AM in pregnancy and lactation. RESULTS: The 52 (67%) respondents with usable questionnaires treated a median of 75 lupus patients/year, including 4-5 lupus pregnancies/year. Thirty-five (69%) continued AM sometimes, often, or always during pregnancy. Continuing AM increased with the number of pregnant lupus patients seen (p < 0.01). None reported having seen any fetal toxicity with AM use, and pregnancy was never terminated because of AM, other than at patient insistence (n = 1). Postpartum, 29 (63%) continued AM and advised breast-feeding. Responses were consistent among North American and UK experts. CONCLUSION: The majority of lupus experts continue AM during pregnancy. This was particularly true for those who treated a larger number of pregnant lupus patients per year. The majority advise breast-feeding and continue AM postpartum. These practices are supported by the limited literature available.
OBJECTIVE: To obtain the experience of selected experts in the use of antimalarial drugs (AM) in pregnancy and lactation in systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS: Seventy-eight lupus experts identified from North America and UK were mailed a 19 question survey regarding their experience using AM in pregnancy and lactation. RESULTS: The 52 (67%) respondents with usable questionnaires treated a median of 75 lupus patients/year, including 4-5 lupus pregnancies/year. Thirty-five (69%) continued AM sometimes, often, or always during pregnancy. Continuing AM increased with the number of pregnant lupus patients seen (p < 0.01). None reported having seen any fetal toxicity with AM use, and pregnancy was never terminated because of AM, other than at patient insistence (n = 1). Postpartum, 29 (63%) continued AM and advised breast-feeding. Responses were consistent among North American and UK experts. CONCLUSION: The majority of lupus experts continue AM during pregnancy. This was particularly true for those who treated a larger number of pregnant lupus patients per year. The majority advise breast-feeding and continue AM postpartum. These practices are supported by the limited literature available.
Authors: Irene Iozza; Stefano Cianci; Angela Di Natale; Giovanna Garofalo; Anna Maria Giacobbe; Elsa Giorgio; Maria Antonietta De Oronzo; Salvatore Politi Journal: J Prenat Med Date: 2010-10