Benefits of Hydroxychloroquine Combined with Low-Dose Aspirin on Pregnancy Outcomes and Serum Cytokines in Pregnant Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, with hydroxychloroquine being the main therapeutic agent for the treatment of SLE. This research explored the effects of hydroxychloroquine combined with low-dose aspirin on maternal and infant outcomes and cytokines of pregnant women with SLE. METHODS: Ninety pregnant women with SLE were divided into the hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) group (45 cases) and the hydroxychloroquine combined with low-dose aspirin (HCQASP) group (45 cases) by random number table. Patients in the HCQ group were treated with oral administration of hydroxychloroquine, while patients in the HCQASP group were treated with low-dose aspirin based on oral administration of hydroxychloroquine. Pregnancy outcomes, fetal outcomes, and cytokine levels were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The HCQASP group had a significantly higher proportion of full-term pregnancies and a significantly lower proportion of hypertension, prematurity, and pregnancy loss than the HCQ group. Neonates in the HCQASP group also had significantly higher birth weights and Apgar scores and a significantly lower proportion of neonatal asphyxia than the HCQ group. After treatment, the HCQASP group had significantly higher interleukin (IL-2) and interferon (IFN)-γ levels and significantly lower IL-4 and IL-10 levels than the HCQ group. CONCLUSION: Hydroxychloroquine combined with low-dose aspirin can effectively improve the pregnancy outcomes of pregnant women with SLE by affecting the levels of T helper (Th) 2 and Th1 cytokines.