Use of antimalarial therapy in SLE
Antimalarial therapy is very useful in treating patients with SLE. Skin manifestations, serositis, fatigue, and joint disease are especially responsive to treatment. Additionally, antimalarials are useful in maintaining remissions and preventing flares of disease. Pregnant lupus patients (anti-SS-A + ) on antimalarial therapy have been shown to be less likely to have a child with neonatal lupus. Antimalarials also have a mild antithrombotic effect and may decrease risk of thrombosis, especially in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies. Therefore, unless contraindicated, patients with SLE should be on an antimalarial and SSA + pregnant women should be on HCQ.