Assessment of nutritional status and disease activity level in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

IntroductionNutritional status and unhealthy dietary habits may have an influence on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) course and activity. ObjectivesThis work aimed to determine the nutritional status and dietary intake of SLE patients and its relation to disease activity. Material and methodsSixty-five SLE patients were recruited from Kasr Alainy outpatient clinic from October 2017 to December 2017 in a cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire including inquiry about the socioeconomic status, nutritional status using anthropometric measurements, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), and hemoglobin level measurement. Disease activity level was assessed using SLE disease activity index (SLE-DAI). ResultsThe median age of the enrolled female patients was 30.0 (24.0–37.0), with median disease duration of 3.0 years (1.0–9.0). BMI assessment revealed that more than three quarters of SLE patients were overweight and obese. The semi-quantitative FFQ revealed a decreased consumption of fresh fruit, vegetables, milk and other dairy products and an increased intake of fats and oils. Disease activity (SLE-DAI) correlated with increased BMI (r=0.299, p=0.016), body weight (r=0.276, p=0.026), and disease duration (r=0.246, p=0.049). ConclusionsInadequate nutrient intake and the high percentage of overweight and obesity among SLE patients with excessive consumption of lipids and low intake of fibers were revealed. Also, disease activity (SLE-DAI) correlated with increased BMI.