The prescription of anti-rheumatic drugs in fertile patients should take into account the current knowledge about their effects on conception, pregnancy and lactation. Judicious advice and pregnancy planning is ideal when possible. With the incorporation of new substances and the constant appearance of recent data in the literature this subject has to be continuously updated. The FDA risk factor rating is sometimes contradictory to our practice, in part because results from animal studies may not be directly applicable to humans. Biologic response modifiers seem to be safely used during pregnancy, since they are large molecules that are not capable of crossing the placenta. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including specific COX-2 inhibitors may impair implantation of the ovum but can be used once pregnancy is under way, they should be avoided after 32 weeks, when there is a relationship with fetal complications. COX-2 inhibitors must be avoided due to its risk of renal mal-formation. Low-dose aspirin can be used safely during pregnancy. Low molecular weight heparins are preferred, since the unfractionated heparins have an increased risk of inducing thrombocytopenia and bleeding. Hydroxychloroquine is used and in fact recommended in lupus pregnancy with patients' benefits and no fetal risk. Warfarin is teratogenic if given between the 6th and 9th gestational weeks, but can be used during the second and third until 34 weeks, when it should be withdrawn in order to avoid the risk of neonatal bleeding. Intravenous immunoglobulin is recommended for difficult antiphospholipid cases and is being studied to prevent the congenital heart block of neonatal lupus. Prednisone and prednisolone use is limited to the least effective dose since they do not reach fetal circulation, but can induce maternal side effects. Azathioprine and cyclosporine are used when necessary with no apparent fetal harm. Methotrexate and leflunomide must be avoided by all means and the treatment stopped three months before conception. Every therapeutic decision for a pregnant patient has to be individualized and the risk and benefits considered.
pregnancy; NSAIDs; prednisone; hydroxychloroquine
