Sex Differences in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multiorgan, systemic autoimmune disease that is more common in women than men and is typically diagnosed during reproductive age, necessitating sex-specific considerations in care. In women there is no substantive evidence to suggest that SLE reduces fertility, but subfertility may occur as a result of active disease, immunosuppressive drugs, and age-related declines in fertility related to delays in childbearing. Although pregnancy outcomes have improved, SLE still poses risks in  pregnancy that contribute to poorer maternal and fetal outcomes.
Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Thematic review series on women's health Source Type: research