Multimorbidity among incident Finnish systemic lupus erythematosus patients during 2000-2017.

Simo Kariniemi,Lauri J Virta,Pia Elfving,Tuulikki Sokka-Isler,Vappu Rantalaiho,Kari Puolakka

doi:10.1177/0961203320967102

Abstract

The objective of the study was to examine the risk of other morbidities among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 1006 adult new-onset SLE patients were identified during 1.1.2000- 31.12.2014 from the register of Social Insurance Institution. For each case three general population controls matched according to age, sex and place of residence at the index day were sampled from the population register. Both groups were followed up from the index date until the end of 2017 or until death. The national register on specialized care was explored to gather broadly their 12 organ-specific morbidities, which were found among 91.2% of SLE patients and 66.7% of comparators. The rate ratio (RR) was elevated in almost all disease groups. Musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and genitourinary conditions were the most common comorbidities with RRs of 1.82 (1.68 to 1.97), 1.91 (1.76 to 2.08) and 1.91 (1.73 to 2.09), respectively. Men with SLE had a significantly higher risk for diseases of the genitourinary system and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases compared to women with SLE. The risk of concurrent morbidities is essential to note in the care of SLE patients.

Highlights

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect almost all organs and tissues
Morbidities of interest were found among 91.2% of SLE patients and among 66.7% of comparators
Number of comorbid conditions per individual was higher among SLE patients (Figure 1)

Summary

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect almost all organs and tissues. The clinical picture can vary greatly, and it is influenced by gender, age, ethnicity, residence and medication. Due to the heterogeneity of the disease, symptoms can be diverse. Patients diagnosed with SLE have a considerable burden due to multi-organic involvement of the disease and the treatment chosen for it.[4,5] Previous studies have shown a significant risk for various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), renal diseases, psychiatric disorders, infections and osteoporosis. The risk for myocardial infarct has been estimated to be 2 to 9 times higher in SLE patients than in the general population.[6,7,8,9,10,11]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion