Analysis of six maternal deaths due to systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华围产医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of deceased cases due to pregnancy complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on six cases of pregnancy-related deaths due to SLE from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021 in Beijing Maternal and Child Health Monitoring Data. Information including basic details of the pregnant women, medical histories, prenatal examinations, diagnostic and treatment processes, review opinions, and causes of death were collected from their medical records, death investigation reports, and municipal-level maternal mortality review. Descriptive methods were used to analyze the data.Results:Between 2012 and 2021, the mortality of pregnancy combined with SLE in Beijing was 0.28/100 000. Among these six cases, the primary clinical manifestations were fever, neuropsychiatric, and respiratory symptoms. All had a decreased platelet count (PLT) and exhibited hypocomplementemia. Three cases experienced elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, five had proteinuria, three had infections during pregnancy. Among the three cases without a history of SLE, the primary organ damages were in the hematological system, lungs, and kidneys. For the three cases with a history of SLE, the primary affected organs were the neuropsychiatric system, hematological system, and kidneys.Conclusions:The initial symptoms of the cases in this group primarily involved fever, neuropsychiatric, and respiratory symptoms. Hypertension and infections were common complications, and decreased PLT, proteinuria, and reduced complement levels were also significant laboratory indicators.