Systemic lupus erythematosus in the elderly: antimalarials in disease remission.
To analyze the long-term antimalarials (AM) usage on elderly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients from 2002 to 2008. Fifty-seven consecutive SLE patients, >or=65 years, were enrolled. The patients were divided into groups A (disease remission) and B (disease activity: with clinical and/or laboratory alterations attributed to SLE activity, and/or using steroid and immunosuppressors). Forty-three patients (75.4%) were in group A. The mean age in groups A and B was, respectively, 69.8 +/- 4.5 versus 67.8 +/- 4.8 years (P = 0.210), with similar disease onset (46.9 +/- 11.2 vs. 42.3 +/- 11.6 years; P = 0.220). There was no difference in gender, ethnicity, and clinical previous manifestations. In 21 out of 57 cases (10 from group A and 11, group B, P < 0.001), AM had been suspended after 5.2 +/- 1.3 years, because of its side effects (maculopathy). The disease remission was strongly associated to AM usage (OR 12.91; 95% CI 2.87-58.13). In summary, SLE remission was significantly associated with the long-term AM usage.
Service of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, Sala 3133, São Paulo, CEP 01246-903, Brazil. samuel.shinjo@gmail.com
Samuel Katsuyuki
SK
Shinjo
D000368:Aged; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012074:Remission Induction / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000962:Antimalarials; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents