Caesarean section in a case of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease most frequently found in women of child bearing age and may co-exist with pregnancy. Disease exacerbation, increased foetal loss, neonatal lupus and an increased incidence of pre-eclampsia are the major challenges. Its multisystem involvement and therapeutic interventions like anticoagulants, steroids and immunosuppressive agents pose a high risk for both surgery and anaesthesia. We describe successful management of an antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive parturient with bad obstetric history who underwent elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

Keywords

• Autoimmune
• LSCS
• pregnancy
• systemic lupus erythematosus