Hydroxychloroquine and lupus pregnancy: Review of a series of 36 cases

Abstract

Objective - To study maternal and fetal outcome of pregnancy in patients with lupus who were exposed to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Methods - The case records of women (n = 33) exposed to HCQ during their pregnancies (n = 36) and of 53 control patients from a single lupus pregnancy centre were reviewed to determine lupus activity, obstetric experience, and infant outcome. Results - HCQ was not apparently teratogenic. Lupus activity and obstetric outcome in the two groups were similar. Conclusion - HCQ continuation is probably safe during pregnancy in patients with lupus, but there is no obvious advantage in commencing treatment.