Table 1 Statements on baseline conditions to be considered for SLE patients before pregnancy from current guidelines

SLE activity

SLE activity in the last 6–12 months or at conception increases risks of APOs.

Only consider pregnancy when SLE is quiescent or at low disease activity.

Consider pregnancy when SLE is stale for at least 6 months.

Active vital organ involvement

Active lupus nephritis at conception increases risks of APOs.

Not mentioned.

Consider pregnancy when 24-hour urine protein is less than 0.5 g and no vital organ damage is present.

Serological activity

Serological activity increases risks of SLE flares during pregnancy and pregnancy loss.

Not mentioned.

Not mentioned.

Corticosteroids

Limit corticosteroid exposure.

Continue low-dose corticosteroid treatment (≤ 10 mg daily of prednisone or nonfluorinated equivalent).

Consider pregnancy when corticosteroid dose is ≤ 15 mg daily of prednisone or nonfluorinated equivalent.

Hydroxychloroquine

Recommended preconceptionally and throughout pregnancy.

Recommended during pregnancy.

Recommended throughout pregnancy.

Other immunosuppressants

Use safe medications to control disease activity.

Avoid drugs with teratogenicity.

Use compatible medications.

Discontinue drugs with teratogenicity for a required period of time.

Discontinue drugs with teratogenicity for a required period of time.