Pregnancy complicated by collagen vascular disease.

Pregnancies complicated by collagen vascular diseases present a challenge to the obstetrician, internist, and other consulting physicians caring for the patient. Although most pregnancies complicated by these disorders result in satisfactory outcomes, a significant number develop manifestations sufficiently serious to require admission to an intensive care unit. Such manifestations include lupus nephritis, CNS lupus, ARDS, massive alveolar hemorrhage, scleroderma renal crisis, pulmonary hypertension, severe myositis, and diffuse vasculitis. Of the numerous therapeutic options available, many may be used to optimize maternal and perinatal outcome.