Study Shows Cognitive Development is Unaffected in Children Born to Women with Lupus
Exposure to lupus, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and/or immunosuppressants while in their mother’s womb or uterus does not negatively affect children, according to a new Danish study. The study finds these children exhibit no major harmful effects on their neurocognitive development, as measured by school performance.
The children of 312 women with lupus were assessed, and their school performance was compared to children born to healthy women - a total of 738,862 children. When comparing the results of reading and math tests of children between 2nd and 8th grade, no differences were observed between their performance. When specifically reviewed and compared for exposure to HCQ and/or immunosuppressants, no differences were observed between the children’s test results either.
The study included a low number of pregnant women with lupus who used lupus medication. The researchers recommend further investigation on the specific effects of medication and disease activity on children’s development. Learn more about planning ahead for contraception and pregnancy when you have lupus.