Analysis of relevant factors in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with venous thromboembolic disease

Abstract

Objective To explore the risk factors and clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with venous thromboembolic disorders (VTE). Methods Twenty SLE patients with VTE (VTE group) and 40 SLE cases without VTE (control group) were retrospectively analyzed for clinical and laboratory features. T test, Mann-Whitney U rank sum test, χ2 test, Logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence of VTE in SLE patients was 1.5% (20/1 326). Renal involvement, increased blood pressure, history of lower extremity deep vein catheter, merging with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) could be seen more frequently in VTE group than control group (χ2=5.508, 7.033, 5.208, 7.882, respectively), and the difference were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Hydroxychloroquine dosage used in the VTE group (133±119) mg/d was lower than that of the control group (211±126) mg/d (t=2.156, P=0.034), antiplatelet drug use rate was lower than the control group too, the difference were statistically significant (χ2= 7.080, P=0.008). Logistic regressions showed that renal involvement [OR=5.5, 95% CI (3.6, 12.7), P=0.003], lower C3 level [OR=2.3, 95% CI (1.8, 5.2), P=0.005], SLEDAI activity score [OR=8.13, 95% CI (5.2, 7.3), P=0.001] were independent risk factors for VTE in SLE. Conclusion SLE patients with renal involvement, increased blood pressure, history of lower extremity deep vein catheterization or complicated with APS were risk factors for VTE, while hydroxylchloroquine, antiplatelet drugs may help prevent VTE. Key words: Lupus erythematosus, systemic; Venous thromboembolism