skip to main content

SLE in pregnancy planning — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateConnective tissue diseasesSLE in pregnancy planningSCE Rheumatology

A 74-year-old woman has quiescent SLE and wants to conceive within 6 months. Examination shows there is no synovitis or active rash. Investigations show renal function and complement are stable. The diagnosis is established and symptoms remain clinically important despite initial supportive measures. There is no contraindication to disease-modifying or anti-inflammatory escalation. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Azathioprine

Azathioprine is the best answer because azathioprine is the most appropriate next step for sle in pregnancy planning in this clinical setting. Anticoagulation is a plausible distractor, but it does not account for the key discriminator in the stem. Topical corticosteroid therapy and Urgent antibiotics would be more appropriate in a different clinical pattern or at another point in the pathway, while Therapeutic exercise is suboptimal for this presentation. Clinical pearl: rheumatology management is generally treat-to-target, but infection risk, pregnancy plans and shared-care monitoring often determine the safest answer.

Reference: BSR SLE guideline; EULAR SLE and systemic sclerosis recommendations; BNF