Treatment of Lupus Nephritic with Severe Preeclampsia: A Case Report

Abstract

A 25 years-old pregnant woman with history of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) complained shortness
of breathing and swelling legs. Physical examination showed hypertension, tachycardia, tachypnea,
anemic conjunctiva, and pitting edema in both legs. Workup examination found anemia, hypoglycemia,
hypoalbuminemia, proteinuria, metabolic acidosis, strong positive dsDNA, trivial MR, mild TR, PR, dilated
LV, decrease of LV systolic function, hypokinetic global LV, eccentric LVH, and severe oligohydramnios.
The patient was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia, severe oligohydramnios, SLE, Lupus Nephritic (LN),
stage II JNC VII hypertension, and peripartum cardiomyopathy.
An emergency caesarean section was planned as the main management to prevent infant and maternal
morbidity and mortality. MgSO4 was given to prevent eclampsia. Methylprednisolone and azathioprine
were given to control SLE and LN activity. Furosemide, spironolactone, ramipril, methyldopa and nifedipine
were given to control blood pressure, help normalizing heart function, and prevent organ failure. The patient
was suggested to postpone next pregnancy until 1 year after LV function turns to normal.