Poster Presenter: Catherine Deffendall, MD, Med-Peds Rheumatology Fellow, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Poster Title: Adolescents with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus at Highest Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Poster Session C: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28
What is your poster about?
“We examined the combined effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and young age on pregnancy outcomes. We compared pregnancy outcomes in adolescent and adult individuals with SLE. Adolescent individuals with SLE were more likely to have pregnancy loss, preterm birth, and preeclampsia compared to adult individuals with SLE.”
Why did you decide to investigate this topic?
“Prior studies reported certain SLE disease manifestations, such as antiphospholipid syndrome and nephritis, are risk factors during pregnancy for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Adolescents with SLE have more severe disease manifestations than adults. We hypothesized SLE adolescents would have higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to both their peers and adults with SLE.”
What are you working on next related to this research?
“We aim to examine teratogen prescribing and contraception use in adolescents and young adults.”
What excites you most about your work?
“I am passionate about improving reproductive health for individuals with rheumatic diseases. This work demonstrates a need for increased focus on the reproductive health of adolescents with SLE.”
What are you most looking forward to at ACR Convergence 2025 in Chicago?
“I am looking forward to connecting with others and learning from experts around the world!”
Don’t Miss a Session
If you can’t make it to a live session during ACR Convergence 2025, make plans to watch the replay. All registered participants receive on-demand access to scientific sessions after the meeting through October 31, 2026.