Health
A Consultant Rheumatologist, Prof. Olufemi Adelowo, says women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can safely get pregnant and have healthy babies.
Adelowo, a Professor of Medicine at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, made the assertions on Monday during the World Lupus Day celebration with the theme: “Make Lupus Visible”.
He spoke on the sub-theme: “Lupus and Pregnancy” at the event organized by the Nigerian Society of Rheumatology (NSR).
World Lupus Day is celebrated annually on May 10 to create awareness about lupus disease and get support for those living with the disease.
Lupus or SLE is an inflammatory or autoimmune disease that occurs when the body system attacks its own tissues and organs.
Inflammation resulting from lupus may affect various body organs including the skin, kidneys, brain, blood cells, lungs, heart, and joints.
Adelowo said that SLE does not impair women’s ability to get pregnant as being misconstrued but, “women with lupus are considered to have high-risk pregnancy”.
According to him, many women with lupus are afraid of getting pregnant because of the fear of transferring lupus to the baby.
“Medical research had advanced to assist in such situations. There are tests that can project if an unborn baby has lupus or not ” he said.
The rheumatologist advised women with lupus to ensure their lupus level was controlled, at least six months before pregnancy and monitored by their rheumatologist and obstetrician.
He, however, advised women with lupus that have problems with their kidney not to get pregnant.
“We advise such patients to go for alternatives such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and surrogacy,” he said.
Adelowo also advised women with lupus that experience joint pain and painful intercourse, fatigue, and dryness of the vagina to take painkillers before intercourse.
He said that lupus disease was not a death sentence, adding that people living with the disease could still live a long and fulfilled life.
Commenting, Dr Akeem Olaosebikan, a Consultant Rheumatologist at LASUTH, said lupus was caused by genes, environment and hormones.
Olaosebikan said currently, there was no cure for lupus, adding that treatments focus on improving quality of life through controlling symptoms and minimizing triggers.
He said that lupus medications could have serious side effects, which could be well managed.
Also, Dr Erere Otrofanowei, a Consultant Dermatologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), said that people with lupus should avoid ultraviolet (light).
Otrofanowei said that precautionary measures such as sun avoidance, using sunscreen, and wearing sun-protective clothing would assist to avoid aggravating symptoms of the disease. (NAN)
– May 10, 2021 @ 18:35 GM
Tags: says Expert Women with lupus disease can have babies
