Pregnancy increases immune burden on women with arthritis and lupus
When a new life begins to grow in the mother's womb, the immune system must perform a demanding balancing act: It must tolerate the fetus, which is genetically half foreign, and at the same time protect the mother from infection. For most pregnant women, this happens without any problems.
Pregnancy brings significant changes to the immune system for most women, but it poses additional challenges for those with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). These conditions put extra strain on the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and miscarriage.
Researchers Hilde Julie Tokle Lien and her team investigated how immune cells behave in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. They found that even when disease activity remains stable, pregnant women with lupus exhibit distinct immunological profiles compared to those with rheumatoid arthritis or healthy pregnant women. This immune difference persists after delivery, highlighting the importance of close monitoring during the postnatal period.
Lien's doctoral research, presented at the 13th International Conference on Reproduction, Pregnancy and Rheumatic diseases, utilized advanced gene activity analyses and a new method to study individual immune cells. Despite receiving consistent follow-up care, pregnant women with lupus show long-lasting immune differences. The study emphasizes the need for personalized treatment during pregnancy, including continued medication use when necessary.
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