To study maternal and fetal outcome of pregnancy in patients with lupus who were exposed to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).
The case records of women (n = 33) exposed to HCQ during their pregnancies (n = 36) and of 53 control patients from a single lupus pregnancy centre were reviewed to determine lupus activity, obstetric experience, and infant outcome.
HCQ was not apparently teratogenic. Lupus activity and obstetric outcome in the two groups were similar.
HCQ continuation is probably safe during pregnancy in patients with lupus, but there is no obvious advantage in commencing treatment.