Hydroxychloroquine did not reduce the risk of preeclampsia

Researchers found no reduction in the risk of pre-eclampsia on the background of hydroxychloroquine administration in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus. The effect of the drug did not depend on the order of delivery.

Researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine and the Center for Arthritis Research and Clinical Immunology in Oklahoma City evaluated the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine therapy in early pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. The results of the study are published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology.

No statistically significant association was found between hydroxychloroquine intake and the development of preeclampsia among both previously non-pregnant and repeat-pregnant women. 

They analyzed data from 1,068 singleton pregnancies that resulted in a live birth among 1,020 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The authors evaluated the incidence of pre-eclampsia with early administration of hydroxychloroquine - starting three months before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.

In total, pre-eclampsia was identified in 15% of pregnant women. The researchers noted that comorbidities, active-phase systemic lupus erythematosus, and azathioprine use were more commonly reported among pregnant women who took hydroxychloroquine.