Clinical Features and Complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
General Symptoms and Quality of Life
- The American College of Rheumatology notes that quality of life is significantly impacted by disease activity, organ damage, and drug toxicity 1
Cardiovascular Manifestations
- Patients with SLE have a markedly increased risk of premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease that cannot be fully explained by traditional risk factors 1
- Hypertension prevalence ranges from 11.5% to 75% in SLE patients 1
- Dyslipidemia prevalence ranges from 11.5% to 75% in SLE patients 1
Neuropsychiatric Manifestations
- Neuropsychiatric lupus can present with diverse manifestations including psychosis, seizures, acute confusional state, cranial or peripheral neuropathy, and transverse myelitis 4
- Diagnostic work-up for neuropsychiatric symptoms should be similar to that in the general population presenting with the same symptoms 4
Important Associated Conditions
- Antiphospholipid antibodies are present in a subset of patients and increase risk of thrombosis and pregnancy complications 4
- The European League Against Rheumatism recommends specific management for patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, including consideration of low-dose aspirin for primary prevention 4
Increased Comorbidity Risk
- Osteoporosis prevalence ranges from 4% to 24%, with vertebral fracture prevalence between 7.6% and 37% in SLE patients 1
- Cancer incidence is increased, particularly hematological malignancies, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer in SLE patients 5
- Infection risk is elevated due to both disease-related immune dysregulation and immunosuppressive therapy in SLE patients 4