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Mortality in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: an Updated Review

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (G Tsokos, Guest Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its treatments can contribute to increased mortality rates. The focus of this review is recent studies on mortality and comorbidities during the last 5 years from around the world. The authors conducted a literature review, using PUBMED, for articles relating to SLE mortality with a specific focus on literature published within the last 5 years. Our analysis found that while mortality in SLE patients continues to improve, there are differences in survival based on ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, and gender. The most common cause of mortality is cardiovascular disease, followed closely by infection and severe disease activity. To conclude, while there have been significant advances in the treatment of SLE and its associated comorbidities, increased mortality remains a major concern in patient management.

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Abbreviations

CAD:

Coronary artery disease

HR:

Hazard ratio

LN:

Lupus nephritis

SMR:

Standardized mortality ratio

SLE:

Systemic lupus erythematosus

SLEDAI:

Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance,•• Of major importance

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Correspondence to César E. Fors Nieves.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Fors Nieves, C.E., Izmirly, P.M. Mortality in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: an Updated Review. Curr Rheumatol Rep 18, 21 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-016-0571-2

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