POS0721 ARE ANTIMALARIALS SAFE FOR THE HEART OF PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS? ANALYSIS OF FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEART FAILURE IN PATIENTS IN THE SPANISH SOCIETY OF RHEUMATOLOGY LUPUS REGISTRY (RELESSER)

Background:Factors associated with the development of chronic heart failure (CHF) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have received little attention. On the other hand, recent data from the use of hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID19 pandemic have cast some doubts on its cardiological safety.Objectives:To identify factors associated to CHF in SLE.Methods:Retrospective cross-sectional study, including all patients with SLE (≥4 ACR-1997 criteria) recruited in RELESSER registry. The objectives and methodology of the registry have been described previously (1). CHF was defined according to the Charlson index item. Patients with CHF before diagnosis of SLE were excluded. Cumulative damage was measured with the SLICC/ACR index, excluding cardiovascular (CV) items (mSDI). Multivariate analysis exploring factors associated with CHF was carried out.Results:117 patients (3% of the entire cohort) with SLE and CHF and 3,506 controls with SLE without CHF were included. 90% were women. Disease duration: mean (SD), 120.2 (87.7) months. CHF appeared after a median (P25-P75) of 9.40 (4.2-18.3) years from SLE diagnosis. Patients with CHF were older (59.8 ± 18.2 vs. 46.2 ± 4.3). In the bivariate analysis, the association of CHF with greater severity [Katz severity index: median (IQR): 4 (3-5) vs. 2 (1-3)], damage [mSDI: 3 (2-4) vs 0 (0-1)], comorbidity [modified Charlson- excluding CV items: 4 (3-6) vs 1(1-3)] and both CV (37.5% vs 6.7%) and overall mortality (43.2% vs 4.7%) (p<0.0001 for all comparisons). Also, CHF patients were more refractory to SLE treatments (33.3% vs 24%, p=0.0377) and were more frequently hospitalised due SLE [median 3 (1-5) vs 1(0-2), p<0.0001]. The results of the multivariable model are depicted in table 1.Table 1.Congestive heart failure associated factors (multivariable analysis)Odds Ratio95% CIP-valueSex (female)0.460.25 - 0.880.0147Ischaemic cardiopathy7.964.01 - 15.48<0.0001Cardiac arrhythmia7.384.00 - 13.42<0.0001Pulmonary hypertension3.711.84 - 7.250.0002Cardiac valvulopathy6.333.41 - 11.62<0.0001Hospitalization (due to SLE)3.741.81 - 8.650.0008Calcium or vitamin D5.292.07 - 16.860.0015Antimalarials0.280.17 - 0.45<0.0001mSDI *1.291.16 - 1.44<0.0001*mSDI = modified SLICC/ACR damage index (without cardiovascular items)Conclusion:- CHF is a rather late complication of SLE.- Patients with SLE and CHF have more severe SLE, with greater refractoriness to SLE treatments and higher overall mortality.- Treatment with antimalarials, as routinely used in SLE patients, is not only safe to heart, but even appears to have a cardioprotective effect.References:[1]Rúa-Figueroa I, López-Longo FJ, Calvo-Alén J, et al. National registry of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology: objectives and methodology. Reumatol Clin. 2014;10(1):17-24.Acknowledgements:Research Unit of Spanish Society of RheumatologyDisclosure of Interests:None declared

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FRI0152 PULMONARY HYPERTENSION IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED SPANISH PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: DATA FROM THE RELES COHORT

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.4906 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 660.2-660

Author(s):

J. Álvarez Troncoso ◽

Á. Robles Marhuenda ◽

F. Mitjavila Villero ◽

F. J. García Hernández ◽

A. Marín Ballvé ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Systolic Pressure ◽

High Morbidity ◽

Inception Cohort ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Pulmonary Arterial

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by multiorgan involvement. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an uncommon manifestation with high morbidity and mortality whose characteristics, prevalence and evolution in SLE are not completely defined.Objectives:Using data of patients from the inception cohort Registro Español de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (RELES), we aimed to to identify the factors associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods:Prospective observational study on a multicenter Spanish inception cohort. Patients with SLE, diagnosed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, since January 2009, who had at least one transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) performed were selected. Demographic data, diagnostic criteria, follow-ups, treatments and SLEDAI were analyzed.Results:Of 289 patients diagnosed with SLE with TTE performed, 15 (5.2%) patients were identified to have PH. Mean age was 56,9±7,7 years, of which 93,3% (14) were women and 80% (12) Caucasian. The ACR score at diagnosis was 4.66. Mean SLEDAI was 15. Only 5 patients had dyspnea at the time of diagnosis. Mean pulmonary arterial systolic pressure was 49.2±5.6 mmHg. Among the PH, 4 patients had pericarditis (26.6%), 3 (20%) valvulopathies (1 antiphospholipid syndrome), 1 patient pulmonary embolism and 1 shrinking lung. Multivariable analysis indicated that pericarditis (odds ratio (OR)=2.53), and valvulopathies (OR 8.96) were independently associated with the development of PH in SLE. Having PH was associated with older age at diagnosis (p<0.001), more dyspnea (p<0.001), higher ESR (p=0.007), more serositis (p<0.001), higher SLEDAI (p=0.011), higher SLICC (p <0.001), higher number of admissions (p=0.006) and higher mortality (p=0.003).Conclusion:PH in SLE is a serious comorbidity with high mortality. In the RELES cohort it was associated with increased disease activity, pericarditis and valvulopathies. Performing TTE in patients with SLE may favor early diagnosis and treatment.References:[1]Kim JS, Kim D, Joo YB, et al. Factors associated with development and mortality of pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.Lupus. 2018;27(11):1769–1777.[2]Bazan IS, Mensah KA, Rudkovskaia AA, et al. Pulmonary arterial hypertension in the setting of scleroderma is different than in the setting of lupus: A review.Respir Med. 2018;134:42–46.Disclosure of Interests:Jorge Álvarez Troncoso: None declared, Ángel Robles Marhuenda: None declared, Francesca Mitjavila Villero: None declared, Francisco José García Hernández: None declared, Adela Marín Ballvé: None declared, Antoni Castro Consultant of: Actelion pharmaceuticals, GSK, MSD., Gonzalo Salvador Cervelló: None declared, Eva Fonseca: None declared, Isabel Perales Fraile: None declared, Guillermo Ruiz-Irastorza: None declared

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Health-Related Quality of Life and fatigue are associated with a higher work productivity impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Data from the Almenara Lupus Cohort

Lupus ◽

10.1177/09612033211052485 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 096120332110524

Author(s):

Cristina Reategui-Sokolova ◽

Rocío Violeta Gamboa-Cárdenas ◽

Mariela Medina ◽

Francisco Zevallos-Miranda ◽

Paola Alejandra Zeña-Huancas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Emotional Health ◽

Damage Index ◽

Work Productivity ◽

Age At Diagnosis ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Work Impairment ◽

Factors Associated ◽

The Mean

Objectives: This study aims to determine the factors associated with absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work impairment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: A total of 133 consecutive working patients with SLE were assessed between October 2017 and December 2018, using a standardized data collection form. Sociodemographic, disease, and work-related variables were collected. Work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) was assessed with the respective questionnaire; absenteeism and presenteeism due to overall health and symptoms during the past 7 days were scored. Linear regression models were performed to determine the factors associated with absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work impairment. Potential factors included were age at diagnosis, gender, socioeconomic status, educational level, SLEDAI, SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI), FACIT-Fatigue, and the domains of the LupusQoL Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 32.2 years (11.8); 121 (91.7%) were female. Nearly all patients were Mestizo. The mean percent of time for absenteeism was 5.0 (12.9), it was 28.5 (26.4) for presenteeism, and it was 31.3 (27.2) for overall work impairment. In the multiple regression analysis, factors associated with absenteeism were disease duration (B = −0.34; SE = 0.12; p = 0.007), pain (B = −0.14; SE = 0.06; p = 0.046), intimate relationship (B = −0.07; SE = 0.03; p = 0.046), and emotional health (B = 0.16; SE = 0.06; p = 0.006); factors associated with presenteeism were physical health (B = −0.43; SE = 0.14; p = 0.002) and FACIT (B = −0.87; SE = 0.30; p = 0.005); and factors associated with overall work impairment were pain (B = −0.40; SE = 0.11; p = 0.001) and FACIT-Fatigue (B = −0.74; SE = 0.28; p = 0.010). Conclusion: A poor HRQoL and higher levels of fatigue were associated with a higher percentage of absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work impairment in SLE patients.

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More Consistent Antimalarial Intake in First 5 Years of Disease Is Associated with Better Prognosis in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.170645 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 90-94 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Rattapol Pakchotanon ◽

Dafna D. Gladman ◽

Jiandong Su ◽

Murray B. Urowitz

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Activity Index ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Damage Index ◽

Retinal Toxicity ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Objective.To examine whether more consistent use of antimalarial agents (AM) leads to better results in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods.From a longitudinal cohort study, we identified inception patients with a minimum of 5 years of followup. They were divided into 3 groups: patients who took AM > 60% of the time (group A), those who took AM < 60% of the time (group B), and those who did not receive AM (group C) during the first 5 years of followup. Outcomes included increase in Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI), flare, achieving low disease activity (LDA), adjusted mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000, cumulative doses of steroids (CMS), and AM-related retinal toxicity. Regression analysis models were constructed to identify predictors of the outcomes.Results.There were 459 patients identified: 236 (51.4%) in group A, 88 (19.2%) in group B, and 135 (29.4%) in group C. The changes in SDI, flare event, and CMS were significantly lower in group A, which more often achieved LDA. Multivariable analysis revealed that the patients in group A had a lower risk of increasing SDI and were more likely to achieve LDA at Year 5 compared to the patients in group C. Patients taking AM had lower CMS over the 5 years of followup. There was only 1 patient with AM-related retinal toxicity in each group.Conclusion.More consistent use of an AM over the first 5 years of SLE is associated with better outcomes.

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AB0442 RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THROMBOTIC EVENTS IN KOREAN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.1674 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1519.3-1520

Author(s):

D. J. Park ◽

S. E. Choi ◽

H. Xu ◽

J. H. Kang ◽

S. S. Lee

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Venous Thrombosis ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers ◽

Damage Index ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Thrombotic Complications

Background:Objectives:Up to 30~40% of all patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience thrombosis, presenting as stroke and myocardial infarction, and these thrombotic events cause substantial morbidity and mortality in SLE. We explored the risk factors associated with the occurrence of thrombotic events in SLE patients.Methods:This study enrolled 259 SLE patients (mean age, 34.0 ± 13.7; 239 females) with available clinical data at the time of SLE onset from the lupus cohort at Chonnam National University Hospital. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data, and history of concomitant diseases were obtained. Thrombotic events were defined as the presence of arterial or venous thrombosis. The multivariable Cox’s model was performed to investigate the possible risk factors for thrombotic events.Results:During a mean follow-up of 103.3 months (SD, 53.4), 27 patients (10.4%) developed thrombotic events: stroke in 15 patients, venous thrombosis in five patients, myocardial infarction in four patients, and angina in three patients. In the multivariable Cox’s regression analysis, hypertension (hazard ratio [HR], 16.946; P=0.031), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) (HR, 18.348; P=0.001), cumulative prednisolone >5 mg/day (HR, 14.374; P<0.001), use of ACE inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (HR, 0.110; P=0.004), and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Group (SLICC) damage index (HR, 1.972; P=0.004) were significant predictors of the development of thrombotic events in patients with SLE.Conclusion:Patients with SLE showed significant thrombotic events during the course of their disease. Risk factors associated with thrombotic complications were higher cumulative dose of prednisolone, diagnosis of APS, and higher SLICC damage index. On the other hand, the use of ACEi or ARBs was associated with a reduced risk of thrombotic complications in patients with SLE. Our results support the need for increased monitoring of thrombotic complications in SLE patients.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared

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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Multiethnic US Cohort (LUMINA): LXI. Value of C-Reactive Protein as a Marker of Disease Activity and Damage

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.080175 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 35 (12) ◽

pp. 2355-2358 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

ANAM. BERTOLI ◽

LUIS M. VILÁ ◽

JOHN D. REVEILLE ◽

GRACIELA S. ALARCÓN

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Damage Index ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Damage Accrual ◽

Hs Crp

ObjectiveTo determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP) measured by a high sensitivity (hs) assay is a surrogate marker of disease activity and damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsFive hundred eighty-eight patients with SLE participating in a multiethnic cohort (Hispanic, African American, and Caucasian) were studied. Disease activity was measured with the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure-Revised (SLAM-R) and damage with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) Damage Index (SDI). hs-CRP was measured by immunometric assay. Disease activity and hs-CRP were measured at enrollment and damage accrual at last visit. The association of hs-CRP with the SLAM-R and SDI was examined by univariable (Pearson’s correlation) and multivariable (linear regression) analyses. The association of hs-CRP and each individual domain of the SLAM-R and SDI was examined by Spearman’s correlation.Resultshs-CRP was associated with the SLAM-R in the univariable (r = 0.35, p < 0.001) and multivariable (t = 7.11, coefficient β = 0.27, p < 0.001) analyses. It also correlated with the constitutional, eye, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neuromotor, and laboratory domains of the SLAM-R. hs-CRP was associated with the SDI (r = 0.12, p = 0.004) in the univariable analysis but not in the multivariable analysis. When the individual domains of the SDI were analyzed, hs-CRP correlated with the renal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and diabetes domains.Conclusionhs-CRP was associated with disease activity but not with overall damage accrual; however, it correlated with specific domains of the damage index. hs-CRP may be useful to monitor the course of the disease and predict its intermediate outcome, but longitudinal studies with serial hs-CRPmeasurements are necessary to define its clinical value.

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Factors associated with development and mortality of pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Lupus ◽

10.1177/0961203318788163 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (11) ◽

pp. 1769-1777 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

J S Kim ◽

D Kim ◽

Y B Joo ◽

S Won ◽

J Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Tertiary Center ◽

A Prospective Study ◽

Significant Factors

Objectives This study aims to identify the factors associated with the development and mortality of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods We conducted a prospective study of SLE patients in a single tertiary center. PH was defined as a systolic pulmonary arterial pressure ≥30 mmHg on transthoracic echocardiography. We assessed potential associated factors contributing to the development and mortality of PH in SLE patients. Results Of 1110 patients with SLE, 48 patients were identified to have PH. Multivariable analysis indicated that pleuritis or pericarditis (odds ratio (OR) = 4.62), anti-RNP antibody (OR = 2.42), interstitial lung disease (ILD) (OR = 8.34) and cerebro-cardiovascular disease (OR = 13.37) were independently associated with the development of PH in SLE. Subgroup analysis among patients with PH demonstrated that there were no statistically significant factors associated with PH mortality in SLE. Conclusions The prevalence of PH was 4.3% in our cohort. There were significant associations with pleuritis or pericarditis, anti-RNP antibody, ILD, and cerebro-cardiovascular disease in SLE, which may contribute to the development of PH. However, there were no statistically significant factors associated with PH mortality in SLE.

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Risk Factors Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Oman

Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health ◽

10.26502/jesph.96120079 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 03 (04) ◽

Author(s):

Asma Al-Kindi ◽

Batool Hassan ◽

Aliaa Al-Moqbali ◽

Aliya Alansari

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Factors Associated

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Assessment of Quality of Life (QoL) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Egypt

Current Rheumatology Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573397115666190118144903 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 304-311

Author(s):

Mervat E. Behiry ◽

Sahar A. Ahmed ◽

Eman H. Elsebaie

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Damage Index ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Systemic Lupus

: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has a profound impact on quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the quality of life among Egyptian SLE patients and to assess its relationships with demographic and clinical features. Methods: One hundred sixty-four SLE patients were recruited for this study. Demographic information; clinical parameters; disease activity, as evaluated by the systemic lupus erythematosus Disease Activity Index; and organ damage, as assessed by the systemic lupus international Collaborative Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index, were reported. Quality of life was assessed with a quality of life questionnaire specifically designed for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; the questions are grouped in the following six domains: physical function, sociooccupational activities, symptoms, treatment, mood, and self-image. Higher values indicate poorer quality of life. Conclusion: Poor quality of life among Egyptian SLE patients and disease activity are strongly related to impaired lifestyles in these patients.

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Predictors of renal damage in systemic lupus erythematous patients: data from a multiethnic, multinational Latin American lupus cohort (GLADEL)

RMD Open ◽

10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001299 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. e001299

Author(s):

Cristina Reátegui-Sokolova ◽

Manuel F Ugarte-Gil ◽

Guillermina B Harvey ◽

Daniel Wojdyla ◽

Guillermo J Pons-Estel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Latin American ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Renal Damage ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Damage Index ◽

Early Response ◽

Male Gender ◽

Systemic Lupus

AimA decrease in proteinuria has been considered protective from renal damage in lupus nephritis (LN), but a cut-off point has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of renal damage in patients with LN and to determine the best cut-off point for a decrease in proteinuria.MethodsWe included patients with LN defined clinically or histologically. Possible predictors of renal damage at the time of LN diagnosis were examined: proteinuria, low complement, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, red cell casts, creatinine level, hypertension, renal activity (assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)), prednisone dose, immunosuppressive drugs and antimalarial use. Sociodemographic variables were included at baseline. Proteinuria was assessed at baseline and at 12 months, to determine if early response (proteinuria <0.8 g/day within 12 months since LN diagnosis) is protective of renal damage occurrence. Renal damage was defined as an increase of one or more points in the renal domain of The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Damage Index (SDI). Cox regression models using a backward selection method were performed.ResultsFive hundred and two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus patients were included; 120 patients (23.9%) accrued renal damage during their follow-up. Early response to treatment (HR=0.58), antimalarial use (HR=0.54) and a high SES (HR=0.25) were protective of renal damage occurrence, whereas male gender (HR=1.83), hypertension (HR=1.86) and the renal component of the SLEDAI (HR=2.02) were risk factors for its occurrence.ConclusionsEarly response, antimalarial use and high SES were protective of renal damage, while male gender, hypertension and higher renal activity were risk factors for its occurrence in patients with LN.

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Beta Cell Function is Disrupted in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/keaa874 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alicia García-Dorta ◽

Juan Carlos Quevedo-Abeledo ◽

Íñigo Rua-Figueroa ◽

Antonia M de Vera-González ◽

Alejandra González-Delgado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Beta Cell ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Cell Function ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Cell Secretion ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Proinsulin Processing ◽

Beta Cell Secretion

Abstract Introduction To investigate how markers of beta cell secretion (proinsulin-processing metabolites) are expressed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and their potential relation to features associated with the disease such as activity or damage. Methods 144 SLE patients and 69 nondiabetic sex- and age-matched controls were assessed. Beta-cell secretion molecules, as measured by insulin, split and intact proinsulins, and C-peptide levels were analyzed in both groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed to compare proinsulin propeptides between groups and to explore the interrelations with SLE features. Analyses were adjusted for glucocorticoid intake and for insulin resistance classic risk factors. Results Fully multivariable analysis demonstrated that regardless of glucocorticoid use, SLE patients exhibited higher levels of split proinsulin. Likewise, the split proinsulin-to-insulin ratio was upregulated in patients with SLE undergoing glucocorticoid therapy (beta coef. 0.19 [95%CI 0.07–0.30], p= 0.002) or not (beta coef. 0.09 [95%CI 0.01–0.17), p= 0.025). Similar results were found for the intact proinsulin-to-insulin ratio, although differences were only statistically significant for patients taking glucocorticoids (beta coef. 0.08 [95%CI 0.03–0.12], p= 0.001). SLE damage score was associated with higher serum levels of intact (beta coef. 0.51 [95%CI 0.17–0.86] pmol/l, p= 0.004) and split proinsulins (beta coef. 1.65 [95%CI 0.24–3.06] pmol/l, p= 0.022) after multivariable analysis, including disease duration and prednisone use. Conclusion Among patients with SLE, proinsulin-processing metabolites, a marker of beta-cell disruption, are upregulated compared with matched controls. This disproportionate hyperproinsulinemia can be explained by the damage produced by the disease and occurs independently of prednisone use.

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