Elevated Pre-eclampsia Risk in Lupus Nephritis and Antiphospholipid Syndrome: a Nationwide Spanish Registry Analysis

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the journal Rheumatology has shed light on the association between autoimmune diseases, specifically Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), SLE, and Lupus Nephritis (LN), and the risk of pre-eclampsia (PE) and its severity. The study analyzed data from the Spanish Hospital Discharge Database from 2016 to 2022, revealing that 1787 patients with SLE (9.1%) had prior LN in 13.2%. The results showed that SLE patients experienced higher PE (5.5% vs 2.1%) and PESC (2.1% vs 0.6%) rates, with these rates rising further in SLE women with LN alone or with both LN and APS.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed 1,973,249 admissions from the Spanish Hospital Discharge Database between 2016-2022.
  • 1787 patients (9.1%) had SLE, with 13.2% having prior LN.
  • SLE patients experienced higher PE (5.5% vs 2.1%) and PESC (2.1% vs 0.6%) rates.
  • These rates increased further in SLE women with LN alone or with both LN and APS.
  • Adjusted analyses showed that PE and PESC were associated with SLE, LN, and APS.
  • Within SLE patients, baseline hypertension, LN, and APS were linked to PE, while LN alone predicted PESC.
  • Recognizing SLE, APS, and especially LN is crucial for precise risk stratification and tailored management to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Statistics:

  • 1,973,249 admissions analyzed from the Spanish Hospital Discharge Database.
  • 1787 patients (9.1%) had SLE, with prior LN in 13.2%.
  • PE rates were 5.5% in SLE patients vs 2.1% in controls.
  • PESC rates were 2.1% in SLE patients vs 0.6% in controls.
  • Adjusted OR for PE was 1.78 (95% CI 1.39-2.28) and for PESC was 2.17 (95% CI 1.47-3.22) in SLE patients.
  • Baseline hypertension, LN, and APS were linked to PE in SLE patients.

Sources:

  • Elevated Pre-eclampsia Risk In Lupus Nephritis and Antiphospholipid Syndrome: a Nationwide Spanish Registry Analysis. Rheumatology, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Study Results from University Hospital Puerta Hierro Broaden Understanding of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (Elevated Pre-eclampsia Risk In Lupus Nephritis and Antiphospholipid Syndrome: a Nationwide Spanish Registry Analysis). OBGYN & Reproduction Week. October 20, 2025; p 8315.