Grant: Operating Grant

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder, which has the potential to affect almost any organ system, causing inflammation, and often, damage. Although a relatively rare condition (with prevalence estimates of about 1 in 2000), SLE is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. SLE often affects women during their reproductive years, and unfortunately, can result in complications or adverse outcomes during pregnancy. Even if the pregnancy is successful, women affected by SLE often ask if there are other complications that might affect their children. Doctors providing care to these patients find it very difficult to provide evidence-based advice. The global aims of our study are to perform a retrospective review of the obstetrical and perinatal outcomes for mothers with SLE, to assess the evolution of their children through childhood, adolescence, and beyond, and to compare their outcomes with a control population. Our study will be based on provincial administrative health databases. This project will facilitate future research assessing maternal and child health in other chronic diseases. The net result will be the provision of much-needed data for mothers, for offspring, and for their health care providers.