Incidence and risk factors of infection in a single cohort of 110 adults with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Infection is a major cause of mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study describes infectious complications in SLE patients and analyzes the risk factors for infection at the time of SLE diagnosis and during the course of SLE in a case-control study. Of 110 patients enrolled, 42 (38%) had at least 1 episode of infectious disease. The incidence of infectious disease was 4.4/100 patient-years (py) with a total follow-up duration of 954 y. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of infection at the time of SLE diagnosis were an SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) > 12 (p = 0.01), C3 levels < 90 mg/dl (p = 0.01) and positive anti-ds DNA antibodies (p < 0.01). Frequent flare-ups (p = 0.04) and follow-up duration > or =8 y (p = 0.023) were also significant risk factors for infectious diseases. It is mandatory to closely observe SLE patients with risk factors for developing infectious diseases.
Jeong
Su Jin
SJ
Department of Internal Medicine and AIDS Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Choi
Heekyung
H
Lee
Han Sung
HS
Han
Sang Hoon
SH
Chin
Bum Sik
BS
Baek
Ji-Hyeon
JH
Kim
Chang Oh
CO
Choi
Jun Yong
JY
Song
Young Goo
YG
Kim
June Myung
JM
D000328:Adult; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007723:Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D003176:Complement C3