Lupus Foundation Of America's Live Webchat To Discuss Reproductive Health And Lupus

Main Category: Lupus
Article Date: 06 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PST

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Because 90 percent of the estimated 1.5 million Americans living with the autoimmune disease lupus are female, fertility, pregnancy and reproductive health are important issues of concern. Women with lupus no longer are told not to have children. However, they are advised to take steps to plan before conception so physicians can monitor these high-risk pregnancies at every step.

The Lupus Foundation of America will conduct a live chat through its website on the topic of "Reproductive Health and Lupus" on Wednesday, October 8, beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern time. The chat is accessible through the LFA website at http://www.lupus.org.

The guest expert is Dr. Bonnie Bermas, Associate Rheumatologist, Robert Breck Brigham Arthritis Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Dr. Bermas has a special interest in the treatment of rheumatic diseases during pregnancy, the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and lupus.

Individuals may submit questions to Dr. Bermas in advance or during the course of the chat. A transcript of the chat will be posted to the LFA website the following day.

Submit an advance question prior to October 8: http://www.lupus.org/newsite/pages/submit_question.html

Log in to the live chat on October 8: http://www.lupus.org/newsite/pages/chat_login.html

About Lupus

Lupus is the result of an unbalanced immune system that can be destructive to any organ or tissue in the body. Lupus is unpredictable and potentially fatal, yet no satisfactory treatment exists. More than 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of the disease. The health consequences of lupus include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, premature birth, miscarriages, and organ failure.

About the LFA

The Lupus Foundation of America is the foremost national nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus and for providing support, services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. The LFA and its network of nearly 300 chapters, branches, and support groups conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy.

The Lupus Foundation of America