Work

Pregnancy complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune hepatitis and portal hypertension

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Pregnancy in women with concurrent systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoimmune hepatitis and portal hypertension is exceptionally rare, with fewer than 10 reported cases of any two conditions together and none describing the full triad with detailed haemostatic assessment. Case description: /l) throughout pregnancy. Second-trimester endoscopy showed grade I varices without red signs. Planned caesarean section was performed at 34-35 weeks after foetal lung maturation, delivering a female neonate weighing 2,270 g with Apgar scores 8/9. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were favourable. Conclusion: Favourable outcomes are achievable despite the concurrent burden of SLE, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and portal hypertension in pregnancy. Key points include interpreting thrombocytopenia as a multifactorial sign, balancing bleeding and thrombosis risks, and delivering individualised multidisciplinary care. LEARNING POINTS: /l without bleeding may allow expectant management rather than intervention.The bleeding-thrombosis paradox requires balancing prothrombotic tendencies (pregnancy, SLE) against bleeding risks (portal hypertension, varices, and thrombocytopenia). Low-dose aspirin may be used cautiously; low molecular weight heparin is not mandatory in antiphospholipid antibody-negative patients with significant bleeding risk.

Source: European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.12890/2026_007352

Authors: Heghine Khachatryan, Lusine Sahakyan, Sona Petrosyan, Haykanush Khachaturyan, Anahit Stepanyan, Norayr Ghukasyan

Institutions: Yerevan State Medical University, Erebouni Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $323