Retrospective Evaluation of Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Admitted to Intensive Care

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic autoimmune diseases can cause life-threatening complications that require admission to the intensive care unit. Early recognition of these complications can improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients with systemic autoimmune diseases hospitalized in the intensive care unit and identify the factors affecting the patient outcomes. Methods: Patients (aged > 18) with systemic autoimmune diseases who were hospitalized in a tertiary general intensive care unit between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, reasons for admission to the intensive care unit, information on treatments for primary diseases and those administered in the intensive care unit, and survival rates were recorded. Results: The study included 67 adult patients. The main reason for hospitalization was infection (n = 35), and 43 patients died in the intensive care unit. The need for mechanical ventilation during intensive care hospitalization and the presence of fungal infection as per fungal cultures performed at hospitalization were found to be associated with mortality. In addition, the presence of high disease severity scores was associated with mortality. Conclusion: The mortality rate of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases requiring intensive care unit admission was found to be high. The majority of deaths occurred as a result of infections associated with immunosuppression. Such deaths can be prevented by implementing specific measures and conducting training targeting these issues.