Outcome and survival in systemic lupus erythematosus
Article Abstract:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a long-term inflammatory disease of connective tissue, affects the skin, joints, kidneys, nervous system, and mucous membranes. Survival of SLE has improved due to recognition of mild disease symptoms, improved diagnostic techniques, and early treatment. Other factors also influence disease outcome and survival, including sex, race, socioeconomic factors, age of disease onset, extent of impaired organ function, and exacerbations or episodes of increased disease activity. Results from studies examining the influence of sex on disease severity and survival are inconsistent. In the United States, blacks were shown to have a worse outcome than whites, probably due to differences in socioeconomic factors. The onset of SLE in childhood is associated with a worse outcome, whereas onset at over 60 years has been associated with milder disease and better chance of survival. Nephritis, or inflammation of the kidney, occurs in 50 to 90 percent of patients and is the primary cause of death among SLE patients, followed by infection and nerve disorders. A shorter interval between disease onset, when the first symptom of SLE was identified, and diagnosis of SLE were associated with a better survival rate. One study showed that the interval between disease onset and diagnosis averaged 10.1 years in patients who died and 4.6 years in those who survived. Patients without exacerbated disease activity had a better outcome than those with exacerbations. Prevalence of disease and quality of life have also been shown to influence disease outcome. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1989
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Lupus anticoagulants in systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence and clinical associations
Article Abstract:
Some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop anticoagulant (anticlotting) activity, which may be indicative of a deficiency of one or more clotting factors. Lupus anticoagulant (LAC) has been associated with the occurrence of thromboembolic events, or the development of clots that lodge in other blood vessels. The association of LAC with other SLE complications, such as miscarriage, is controversial. The reported prevalence of LAC varies widely. The prevalence and medical relevance of LAC was studied in 55 SLE patients (54 female and 1 male) in northern India. Thirteen percent of the patients had LAC, as identified by a prolonged clotting time. The patients with LAC had a significantly higher incidence of clot formation. Compared with the other SLE patients, those with LAC were significantly younger and had SLE for a shorter time, which may reflect more severe illness. No other SLE complications were significantly different in this small group of patients. The results suggest that SLE patients with LAC are at higher risk for thromboembolic events, and further study is needed on how best to treat them. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1990
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