Table 6.

Routine evaluation of a SLE patient preparing for pregnancy.

Complete clinical evaluation (anamnesis and physical exam) to observe for active disease or contraindication

Lab evaluation: complete blood count, proteinuria, urinalysis, renal and hepatic function, glucose level, coagulation tests, inflammatory markers, 25(OH)D in the presence of risk factor

Immune markers associated with active disease: low complement level (C3, C4, C1q) and increased anti dsDNA

Autoantibodies associated with maternal or foetal complications: APLA, anti-Ro, anti La antibodies, antithyroid antibodies

Collect scores to quantify activity: SLEDAI-2K and LLDAS

Check for existence of damage that might contraindicate pregnancy: pulmonary hypertension, low pulmonary function, cardiac failure, severe kidney failure, stroke, or major thrombosis

Check specific disease medications

Check comorbidities medication (antihypertensive), LDA, Vitamin D, Folic Acid

Check approved vaccination status

APLA—antiphospholipid antibodies; anti dsDNA- anti-double-strand DNA; C—Complement; 25(OH)D—25-hydroxy-Vitamina D; LDA—Low-Dose Aspirin; LLDAS—Lupus Low Disease Activity State; PE—Pre-Eclampsia; SLEDAI-2K—Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000.