CYTOPENIA AND REPRODUCTIVE OUTCOMES IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: AN ASSESSMENT OF PATIENT ATTITUDES AND FAMILY PLANNING

Introduction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune, chronic disease, that can affect multiple organ systems, with a wide range of manifestations, including hematologic involvement. SLE is known to reduce both primary and secondary fertility of women affected by it. In this study, we explore the Influence of cytopenia on reproductive decisions and attitudes in women with SLE in Jordan. Methods. This cross-sectional study, which took place at the rheumatology clinic at a tertiary hospital in Amman, Jordan, enrolled all consecutive SLE patients who presented between the period from September 20233 to March 2024. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire and the review of patients’ charts, and cytopenia was defined by the presence of at least one hematological cell-line cytopenia. Results. We analyzed a total of 64 female patients with SLE, of whom thirty-nine patients (60.9%) had cytopenia, and twenty-five (39.1%) did not. Patients with cytopenia were slightly younger than those without cytopenia (38.23 ± 14.94 vs. 42.64 ± 15.96 years) and had a similar age at SLE diagnosis (27.84 ± 11.55 vs. 29.40 ± 12.97 years). The proportion of patients with a history of infertility did not differ significantly between the two groups (12.8% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.325). Notably, consultation by obstetrics and gynecology was significantly more frequent among patients without cytopenia compared with those with cytopenia (20.0% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.036). Conclusions. The presence of cytopenia did not significantly predict infertility or differences in family planning outcomes in SLE. However, cytopenia was associated with heightened reproductive uncertainty and increased likelihood of citing SLE as a reason for not having children.