W L Ng1, C M Chu, A K L Wu, V C C Cheng, K Y Yuen. 1. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently suffer from infections, but the predisposing risk factors, as well as the exact frequency and nature of such infections, are not fully understood. AIM: To describe the frequency, types and risk factors for infections in a group of Chinese patients in the early stage of SLE in Hong Kong. DESIGN: Retrospective record study. METHODS: We reviewed the case records of 91 Chinese SLE patients, presenting <12 months after SLE diagnosis. Details of major infections (requiring intravenous antimicrobial therapy, or any confirmed mycobacterial infection) and minor infections were reviewed. Clinical and laboratory features, the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) at presentation and drug treatment were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: There were 48 major infections and 62 minor infections during 260 patient-years of follow-up. A lymphocyte count < or =1.0 x 10(9)/l at presentation was independently associated with an increased risk for major infection: hazard ratio 4.7 (95%CI 1.6-13.7), p = 0.005. SLEDAI, use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy were all not associated with increased risk of infection. DISCUSSION: Lymphopenia was an important risk factor for major infections in this group of Chinese patients in the early stages of SLE. SLE patients with lymphopenia at presentation should be closely monitored for the development of infective complications.
BACKGROUND:Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently suffer from infections, but the predisposing risk factors, as well as the exact frequency and nature of such infections, are not fully understood. AIM: To describe the frequency, types and risk factors for infections in a group of Chinese patients in the early stage of SLE in Hong Kong. DESIGN: Retrospective record study. METHODS: We reviewed the case records of 91 Chinese SLEpatients, presenting <12 months after SLE diagnosis. Details of major infections (requiring intravenous antimicrobial therapy, or any confirmed mycobacterial infection) and minor infections were reviewed. Clinical and laboratory features, the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) at presentation and drug treatment were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: There were 48 major infections and 62 minor infections during 260 patient-years of follow-up. A lymphocyte count < or =1.0 x 10(9)/l at presentation was independently associated with an increased risk for major infection: hazard ratio 4.7 (95%CI 1.6-13.7), p = 0.005. SLEDAI, use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy were all not associated with increased risk of infection. DISCUSSION: Lymphopenia was an important risk factor for major infections in this group of Chinese patients in the early stages of SLE. SLEpatients with lymphopenia at presentation should be closely monitored for the development of infective complications.
Authors: Lino L Teichmann; Dominik Schenten; Ruslan Medzhitov; Michael Kashgarian; Mark J Shlomchik Journal: Immunity Date: 2013-03-14 Impact factor: 31.745
Authors: M Mosca; C Tani; M Aringer; S Bombardieri; D Boumpas; R Brey; R Cervera; A Doria; D Jayne; M A Khamashta; A Kuhn; C Gordon; M Petri; O P Rekvig; M Schneider; Y Sherer; Y Shoenfeld; J S Smolen; R Talarico; A Tincani; R F van Vollenhoven; M M Ward; V P Werth; L Carmona Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2009-11-05 Impact factor: 19.103