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Objective:To analyze the differentially expressed genes in PBMCs of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by bioinformatics methods screening and analyzing the key genes related to ferroptosis, and explore the possible mechanism of ferroptosis involved in the pathogenesis of SLE at the transcription level.Methods:The data sets and samples of healthy people (HC) and SLE patients who met the screening criteria were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a sub-database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The differentially expressed genes, GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were analyzed by GEO2R, R language and related software packages. The protein interaction network (PPI) of differential genes was analyzed by STRING, Cytoscape and other tools to explore the key genes and pathways. In addition, real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to verify the expression of key genes. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the expression of key genes in PBMCs between the two groups. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between SLE disease activity and the level of key genes. Results:Six data sets were included in this study. A total of 166 genes related to ferroptosis were differentially expressed between SLE and HC groups. The differential genes were specifically expressed in alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, CD49 + cells and CD31 + cells. GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in multiple signaling pathways closely related to SLE, such as oxidative stress response, infection and TNF signaling pathway. Hub genes screened by different algorithms all suggested RELA as a key gene, and RT-qPCR confirmed that compared with the RELA gene expression level in the HC group [0.75(0.37,1.13)], the expression level in SLE group [2.02 (1.19,4.06)] was increased, the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-3.08, P=0.002), and was positively correlated with the corresponding SLEDAI score of SLE samples ( r=0.52, P=0.019). Conclusion:The ferroptosis of many immune cells, including alveolar macrophages and CD49 + NK cells, is involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. RELA may be involved in the ferroptosis of PBMCs in SLE through the NF-κB pathway.
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Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and factors that may affect the flare of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods:A total of 300 patients with SLE who were treated with standard treatment in the outpatient clinic of the department of rheumatology and immunology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University of PLA, were enrolled, and the patients were divided into 24 patients in the complete response group, 40 cases in the no response group, 192 cases in the treatment response group, and 44 cases in the low disease activity group according to the response to treatment. The differences in clinical characteristics and survival rates between the groups were compared and analyzed. Comparisons of count data were made using analysis of variance (ANOVA), comparisons of measurement data were made using the chi-square test or the Fisher′s ecact test, and survival rates were expressed as Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox regression analysis was adapted to explore risk factors for flare in these patients.Results:A total of 300 patients were followed. With a median follow-up time of 18 (1, 36) months, a total of 42 patients experienced flare. The clinical characteristics of the four groups were compared, and there were significant differences in age ( F=4.39, P=0.005), the presence of lupus nephritis ( χ2=12.66, P=0.005), hemoglobin level ( F=2.73, P=0.044), NLR level( F=3.88, P=0.010), cystatin C level( F=3.11, P=0.027), anti-RNP antibody ( χ2=12.04, P=0.007), anti-Sm antibody ( χ2=8.33, P=0.040), anti-SSB antibody ( P=0.014), anti-nucleosome antibody ( P=0.014), and anti-ribosomal P protein antibody ( χ2=11.83, P=0.008). There was no significant difference in survival between the four groups. Cox analysis showed that the combination of other autoimmune diseases [ HR(95%CI)=3.23(1.58, 6.57), P=0.001], anti-Sm antibody [ HR(95%CI)=2.15(1.04, 4.43), P=0.038], and anti-RNP antibody [ HR(95%CI)=2.54(1.13, 5.68), P=0.023] were risk factors for flare in patients with SLE who could reach the treatment target. Conclusion:Patients with SLE with different treatment responses have different clinical features, and all treatment can significantly improve the recurrence rate no matter what level of response to treatment. Patients concurrent with other autoimmune diseases, positive anti-Sm antibodies, and positive anti-RNP antibodies are at highrisk of flare.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of tofacitinib on early atherosclerosis of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and explore the possible relationship between lupus nephritis and early atherosclerosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.Methods:Sixteen 8-week-old female MRL/lpr mice with a body weight of 20~25 g were selected and randomly divided into the treatment group and placebo group, with 8 mice in each group. The treatment group diluted tofacitinib by normal saline, and given at a dose of 10 mg·kg -1·d -1, and the placebo group (starch tablets) administered the medication in the same way as the treatment group for a total of 8 weeks. The ELISA method was applied to detect serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels in the two groups of mice. Bradford method protein concentration was used to determine the level of urine protein in mice. Automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect blood lipids, urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, complement C3, complement C4 levels. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase family 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) in aortic and kidney tissues. After the aortic arch section were prepared, oil red O was used to stain the sections, and the vascular plaque area and intimal thickness were evaluated by ImageJ software. The kidneys were dissected and stained with HE, and the active lesions of lupus nephritis were evaluated using the glomerular activity scoring system. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis, in which the between-group comparison was performed using two independent samples t-test, and the correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman method. Results:①The serum anti-dsDNA antibody expression level in the treatment group [(5.2±1.0) U/ml] was lower than that in the placebo group [(6.9±1.2) U/ml], ( Z=-3.07, P=0.008), and the levels of complement C3 and complement C4 were higher than those in the placebo group [(293±10) mg/L vs. (260±19) mg/L, Z=2.72, P=0.017]; (16±6) mg/L vs. (8±9) mg/L, Z=3.78, P=0.006]. There was no significant difference in serum BUN and Scr between the treatment group and the placebo group [(10.6±0.7) mmol/L vs. (11.5±1.1) mmol/L, Z=-1.96, P=0.071; (17±5) μmol/L vs. (22±6) μmol/L, Z=-1.79, P=0.095]. ② Compared with the placebo group, the levels of LDL, TC and TG in the treatment group decreased [(0.83±0.15) mmol/L vs. (1.08±1.05) mmol/L, Z=-3.95, P=0.001; (2.90±0.08) mmol/L vs. (1.81±0.97) mmol/L, Z=-5.17, P=0.001; (1.10±0.08) mmol/L vs. (1.60±0.42) mmol/L, Z=-3.23, P=0.013], and HDL level increased [(2.02±0.99) mmol/L vs. (1.81±0.97) mmol/L, Z=4.42, P=0.001]. ③ Compared with the placebo group, the levels of aortic MCP-1, JAK1, STAT1 and STAT2 in the treatment group were reduced [(0.17±0.30) vs. (0.23±0.05), Z=-3.06, P=0.009; (0.83±0.09) vs. (1.05±0.19), Z=-3.07, P=0.008; (0.77±0.07) vs. (0.94±0.13), Z=-2.83, P=0.014; (0.70±0.07) vs. (0.82±0.09), Z=-2.83, P=0.013], the aortic plaque area and aortic intimal thickness were lower than those in the placebo group [(12±31) μm 2vs. (1 242±1 101) μm 2, Z=-3.12, P=0.016; (63±7) μm vs. (82.10±8.06) μm, Z=-5.13, P<0.001]. ④ Compared with the placebo group, the urine protein level and glomerulonephritis activity score in the treatment group were decreased [(0.08±0.03) mg/mL vs. (0.20±0.11) mg/mL, Z=-3.08, P=0.015; (1.79±0.38) vs. (2.79±0.14) points, Z=-7.08, P<0.001)], and renal tissue MCP-1, JAK1, STAT1.Compared with the placebo group, STAT2 levels were reduced [(0.364±0.040) vs. (0.425±0.021), Z=-3.85, P=0.003; (0.689±0.074) vs. (0.838±0.068), Z=-4.19, P=0.001; (0.508±0.070) vs. (0.646±0.019), Z=-2.85, P=0.015; (0.618±0.062) vs. (0.740±0.101), Z=-2.94, P=0.013. ⑤ The glomerular mobility scores of the two groups were positively correlated with LDL, TCHO, TG, aortic plaque area and aortic intimal thickness ( r=0.51, P=0.043; r=0.79, P<0.001; r=0.64, P=0.008; r=0.82, P<0.001; r=0.74, P=0.001), and negatively correlated with HDL ( r=-0.53, P=0.036). The urine protein levels in the two groups were positively correlated with LDL, TC, TG, aortic plaque area and aortic intimal thickness ( r=0.67, P=0.004; r=0.68, P=0.004; r=0.53, P=0.033; r=0.80, P<0.001; r=0.74, P=0.001), and negatively correlated with HDL ( r=-0.57, P=0.021). Conclusion:The severity of lupus nephritis is correlated with atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia in the early stage of systemic lupus erythematosus. Tofacitinib may reduce the degree of early arteriosclerosis and lupus nephritis in MRL/LPR mice, and reduce blood lipid levels, which may be effective in improving the prognosis of SLE and improving the survival rate of patients.
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Objective:To analyze the bone turnover markers in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with different disease activity and the risk factors of osteoporosis.Methods:In this retrospective study, a total of 417 SLE inpatients were enrolled from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University, from March 2019 to June 2020. According to SLEDAI score, the patients were divided into 3 groups: 281 patients disease with inactive disease group; 99 patients with mild active disease group; and 37 patients with moderate/severe active disease. ANOVA test was used to compare the differences in serum bone turnover markers (PTH, NOST, VITDT, β-crossl, TP1NP, Ca and P) and bone density (Spine L 1~4 and left femur) among the three groups, and Tukey's method was used for the two groups comparison. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors of osteoporosis. Results:Serum VITDT, β-crossl and Ca levels were significantly different among the 3 groups ( F=11.66, P<0.001; F=7.22, P<0.001; F=29.38, P<0.001). Compared with patients in the inactive group, patients with both the mild disease group (VITDT: t=3.94, P<0.001; Ca: t=5.10, P<0.001) and the moderate/severe disease group (VITDT: t=3.33, P<0.001; Ca: t=7.19, P<0.001) had lower VITDT levels [(20.3±9.7) ng/ml vs. (15.9±9.3) ng/ml vs. (14.8±7.4) ng/ml] and serum Ca levels [(2.19±0.15)mmol/L vs. (2.09±0.21)mmol/L vs. (2.00±0.16)mmol/L]. Moreover, the moderate/severe disease group patients had much lower serum Ca levels ( t=2.36, P<0.05), compared with patients with the mild disease group. Compared with the patients with inactive group, both the mild activey group ( t=3.06, P<0.01) and the moderate/severe activie group ( t=2.99, P<0.01) patients had higher serum β-crossl levels [(419±316) pg/ml vs. (543±424) pg/ml vs. (586±343) pg/ml]. Compared with patients with the inactive disease group both patienes with the mild active group and the moderate/severe disease group patients had significantly decreased spine BMD ( t=2.75, P<0.01; t=2.71, P<0.01), Z-score ( t=5.65, P<0.001; t=4.70, P<0.001), T-score ( t=3.02, P<0.01; t=3.37, P<0.001), whereas, no difference was found between the mild disease group and moderate/severe disease group. Compared with the inactive group patients, both the mild active group and moderate/severe disease group patients had lower left femur BMD levels ( t=2.83, P<0.001; t=2.65, P<0.001) and T-score ( t=2.24, P<0.05; t=1.977, P<0.05) and no difference was found between the mild disease group and the moderate/severe disease group. Logistic regression analysis showed that age [ HR (95% CI)=1.080 (1.052, 1.109), P<0.001], BMI [ HR (95% CI)=0.801 (0.704, 0.911), P<0.001], SLEDAI score [ HR (95% CI)=1.047 (1.025, 1.076), P<0.05] and cumulative glucocorticoids dose [1.046 (1.006, 1.087), P<0.05] were associated with osteoporosis of SLE patients. Conclusion:Abnormal bone metabolism and decreased bone density are associated with SLE disease activity in SLE patients, especially in those with advanced age, low BMI and receiving high cumulative dose of glucocorticoids. Osteoporosis should be proactively prevented in the SLE patients.
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Objective:To analyze the clinical features and prognostic factors of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with IgG decrease.Methods:Thirty-five newly diagnosed patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with decreased IgG (<7 g/L) admitted to the Department of Rheumatology of Tangdu Hospital of the Air Force Medical University of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army from January 2016 to March 2022 were included, and 38 hospitalized patients with SLE complicated with elevated or normal IgG during the same period were included as the control group. The clinical data were statistically analyzed. Independent sample t test and χ2 test were used. Results:In the SLE group combined with IgG, the incidence of edema was decreased (31.4% vs. 2.6%, χ2=11.00, P=0.001), and the white blood cell count was decreased [(5.8±0.9)×10 9/L vs. (4.2±0.3)×10 9/L, t=2.49, P=0.015], neutrophil [(4.10±0.48)×10 9/L vs. (2.65±0.25)×10 9/L, t=2.75, P=0.008], the ratio of neutrophil and lymphocyte (4.18±0.65 vs. 2.71±0.24, t=2.18, P=0.032), the ratio of neutrophil and serum albumin (0.186±0.025 vs. 0.071±0.068, t=4.58, P<0.001), the ratio of blood urea nitrogen and serum albumin (0.550 6±0.079 4 vs. 0.048 7±0.002 4, t=6.59, P<0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate [(59±7)mm/1 h vs. (33±5)mm/1 h, t=3.06, P=0.003], total cholesterol [(5.95±0.40)mmol/L vs. (3.78±0.14)mmol/L, t=5.26, P<0.001], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [(2.93±0.24)mmol/L vs. (1.84±0.09)mmol/L, t=4.30, P<0.001], creatinine [(178.0±45.2)mmol/L vs. (46.8±1.8)mmol/L, t=3.02, P=0.004], urea nitrogen [(11.92±1.62)mmol/L vs. (4.54±0.25)mmol/L, t=4.67, P<0.001], uric acid [(436±31)mmol/L vs. (278±20)mmol/L, t=4.40, P<0.001], lactate dehydrogenase [(356±72)U/L vs. (208±12)U/L, t=2.11, P=0.038], and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase [(282±35)U/L vs. (175±11)U/L, t=3.05, P=0.003] were higher than that in normal or elevated IgG groups. Red blood cell [(3.35±0.17)×10 12/L vs. (3.96±0.11)×10 12/L, t=-3.03, P=0.003], hemoglobin [(95±4)g/L vs. (113±4)g/L, t=-3.32, P=0.001], serum albumin [(24.5±1.3)mg/L vs. (38.3±0.9)mg/L, t=-8.79, P<0.001], complement C3 [(0.58±0.04)g/L vs. (0.75±0.05)g/L, t=-2.53, P=0.014], the positive rate of anti-SSA antibody (45.7% vs. 73.7%, χ2=5.95, P=0.015), and the course of disease [(5.6±0.9)year vs. (7.7±0.8) year, t=-7.51, P<0.001] were lower than that of combined normal or elevated IgG groups. The ratio of blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin ( r=-0.47), blood urea nitrogen ( r=-0.36) and uric acid ( r=-0.56) were negatively correlated with complement C3 in patients with IgG reduction group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Most patients with SLE combined with IgG reduction had edema as the first clinical symptom. Kidney involvement,white blood cell count, neutrophil, the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte, the ratio of neutrophil to serum albumin, the ratio of blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, urea nitrogen, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase were increased, but red blood cell, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and complement C3 were decreased.Edema was the first clinical presentation, and these patients tend to have more rapidly progression of the disease, and their disease were more severe.
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Objectives:Analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) progressing to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Explore the risk factors for the progression from PAPS to SLE.Methods:The clinical data of 262 patients with PAPS enrolled in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from February 2005 to September 2021 were evaluated. Assessments included demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests (serum levels of complement, anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies), treatment, and outcomes. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the prevalence of SLE in patients with PAPS. Univariate Cox regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors for PAPS progressing to SLE.Results:Among 262 patients with PAPS, 249 had PAPS (PAPS group) and 13 progressed to SLE (5.0%) (PAPS-SLE group). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that cardiac valve disease ( HR=6.360), positive anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies ( HR=7.203), low level of complement C3 ( HR=25.715), and low level of complement C4 ( HR=10.466) were risk factors for the progression of PAPS to SLE, whereas arterial thrombotic events ( HR=0.109) were protective factors ( P<0.05 for all). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the prevalence of SLE in patients suffering from PAPS with a disease course>10 years was 9%-15%. Hydroxychloroquine treatment had no effect on the occurrence of SLE in patients with PAPS ( HR=0.753, 95% CI 0.231-2.450, P=0.638). Patients with≥2 risk factors had a significantly higher prevalence of SLE compared with those with no or one risk factor (13-year cumulative prevalence of SLE 48.7% vs. 0 vs. 6.2%, P<0.001 for both). Conclusions:PAPS may progress to SLE in some patients. Early onset, cardiac-valve disease, positive anti-dsDNA antibody, and low levels of complement are risk factors for the progression of PAPS to SLE (especially in patients with≥2 risk factors). Whether application of hydroxychloroquine can delay this transition has yet to be demonstrated.
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We retrospectively analyzed therapy efficacy and the adverse reactions of 10 patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with intestinal involvement treated with rituximab (RTX). Patients were hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from January 2015 to January 2023. Among the 10 patients, two were men and eight were women. The age of the cohort was (41.9±8.8) years. The age at disease onset was (28.8±9.2) years. The total course of the SLE diagnosis was(109.6±59.9) months. The course of the diagnosis of SLE with intestinal involvement was (89.3±50.2) months. The time from the appearance of intestinal symptoms to the diagnosis of SLE with intestinal involvement was 1.5 (1.0,8.0) months. The time from the diagnosis of SLE with intestinal involvement to RTX use was 13.0 (1.0,46.3) months. Follow-up duration after application of RTX treatment was (55.3±28.4) months. There were five cases of abdominal pain, four cases of abdominal distension, nine cases of diarrhea, three cases of nervous-system involvement, nine cases of lupus nephritis, and seven cases of serositis. All 10 patients underwent computed tomography and radiology of the abdomen. Eight patients had intestinal-wall edema, seven suffered intestinal dilation, four had target signs, three suffered congestion of mesenteric blood vessels, eight had increased mesenteric-fat density, and six had false intestinal obstruction. All 10 patients showed a low level of complement C3 (250-750 mg/L). Nine cases showed a low level of complement C4 (10-90 mg/L). The SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) at baseline in 10 patients was 20.5 (17.8, 30.0). After receiving RTX (0.5 g: day 1, day 14, or 375 mg/m 2: day 1, day 14) induction treatment, the intestinal symptoms of 10 cases were relieved completely. Four patients had adverse reactions, of which three received a high-dose glucocorticoid combined with RTX treatment simultaneously. Adverse reactions manifested mainly as a reduced level of IgG and infection with herpes simplex virus in one case, reduced level of IgG and lung infection in one patient, lung infection in one case, and reduced IgG level in one patient. RTX may an efficacious treatment strategy for patients suffering from refractory SLE with intestinal involvement.
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Objective:To explore the value of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in evaluating cerebrovascular small vessel disease (CSVD) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods:Eighty-two patients with SLE combined with CSVD treated at Yixing People's Hospital from January to December 2022 were selected. They were divided into acute phase infarction group (16 cases), chronic phase infarction group (26 cases), and chronic ischemic lesion group (40 cases) based on routine MRI examination results. All patients underwent DTI examination to obtain the average diffusion coefficient (DCavg) and anisotropy score (FA) of the affected and contralateral normal white matter areas, and the evaluation value of DTI for CSVD in SLE patients was analyzed.Results:The DCavg value on the affected side of 82 patients was significantly higher than that on the healthy side: (11.10 ± 3.48) 10 -3 mm 2/s vs. (8.18 ± 2.42) 10 -3 mm 2/s, and the FA value on the affected side was significantly lower than that on the healthy side: 0.28 ± 0.05 vs. 0.45 ± 0.08, with a statistical significant differences ( P<0.05). The DCavg values of the acute infarction group, chronic infarction group, and chronic ischemic focus group were (11.88 ± 3.50), (9.69 ± 3.24) and (8.52 ± 2.34) 10 -3 mm 2/s, respectively, with statistical significant differences ( P<0.05). The FA values of the acute infarction group, chronic infarction group, and chronic ischemic focus group were 0.28 ± 0.04, 0.33 ± 0.06 and 0.40 ± 0.07, respectively, with statistical significant differences ( P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn, and the results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the acute phase infarction group and the chronic phase infarction group evaluated by DCavg and FA alone and in combination were 0.757, 0.756, and 0.820, respectively. The AUC of the chronic phase infarction group and the chronic ischemic focus group evaluated by DCavg and FA were 0.772, 0.776, and 0.813, respectively. The AUC value of the combined evaluation was relatively large. Conclusions:DTI has good evaluation value for CSVD in SLE patients and can accurately determine the type of CSVD.
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ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the meanings attributed to pregnancy in the context of Lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome by women and healthcare professionals. Method: Qualitative research, using Symbolic Interactionism as a theoretical framework and Grounded Theory, a constructivist perspective. Data were collected between January and August 2022, through online interviews with 27 women with Lupus located on the social network Facebook and in-person or remote interviews with 12 healthcare professionals. Results: The theoretical model constructed has two categories: "Equal conditions, distinct experiences: experiencing the gestational process" shows that obstetric complications and lack of connection with healthcare professionals trigger negative meanings to the experience; and "Therapeutic management interfering in the attribution of meanings to the experience", demonstrates that the way women interact with healthcare professionals and how they manage treatment favors a positive reframing. Final considerations: The meanings attributed to pregnancy are elaborated and modified according to the interpretation of previous and current experiences, healthcare trajectory and interactions with healthcare professionals. Previous guidance, planning, bonding and trust in healthcare professionals enable positive meanings, while obstetric complications, unqualified assistance and lack of bonding with professionals provide negative meanings.
RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender los significados atribuidos al embarazo en el contexto del Lupus y del síndrome antifosfolípido por mujeres y profesionales de la salud. Método: Investigación cualitativa, que utilizó como marco teórico el Interaccionismo simbólico y metodológico, la Teoría Fundamentada, una vertiente constructivista. Los datos fueron recolectados entre enero y agosto de 2022, a través de entrevistas online a 27 mujeres con Lupus ubicadas en la red social Facebook y entrevistas presenciales o remotas a 12 profesionales de la salud. Resultados: El modelo teórico construido tiene dos categorías: "Condiciones iguales, experiencias diferentes: vivir el proceso gestacional" muestra que las complicaciones obstétricas y la falta de conexión con los profesionales de la salud desencadenan significados negativos a la experiencia; y Gestión terapéutica interfiriendo en la atribución de significados", demuestra que la forma en que las mujeres interactúan con los profesionales de la salud y cómo conducen el tratamiento favorece la resignificación positiva.. Consideraciones finales: Los significados atribuidos al embarazo son elaborados y modificados según la interpretación de experiencias pasadas y actuales, trayectoria de atención e interacciones con profesionales de la salud. La orientación previa, la planificación, la vinculación y la confianza en los profesionales de la salud posibilitan significados positivos, mientras que las complicaciones obstétricas, la asistencia no calificada y la falta de vínculo con los profesionales proporcionan significados negativos.
RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender os significados atribuídos à gravidez, no contexto do Lúpus e da Síndrome Antifosfolípide, por mulheres e profissionais de saúde. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, que utilizou como referencial teórico o Interacionismo simbólico e metodológico, a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados, vertente construtivista. Os dados foram coletados entre janeiro e agosto de 2022, mediante entrevistas on-line com 27 mulheres com Lúpus, localizadas na rede social Facebook e em entrevistas presenciais ou remotas com 12 profissionais de saúde. Resultados: O modelo teórico construído possui duas categorias: "Condições iguais, experiências distintas: vivenciando o processo gestacional" mostra que complicações obstétricas e ausência de vínculo com os profissionais de saúde desencadeiam significados negativos à experiência; e "O manejo terapêutico interferindo na atribuição dos significados à experiência" demonstra que a forma com que a mulher interage com os profissionais de saúde e conduz o tratamento favorece a ressignificação positiva. Considerações finais: Os significados atribuídos à gestação são elaborados e modificados conforme a interpretação de experiências anteriores e atuais, trajetória assistencial e interações com os profissionais de saúde. A orientação prévia, o planejamento, o vínculo e a confiança nos profissionais de saúde possibilitam significados positivos. Já, as complicações obstétricas, a assistência não qualificada e ausência de vínculo com os profissionais produzem significados negativos.
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El cabello no solo es una cuestión de imagen personal, a continuación, se expone un caso clínico de una paciente con alopecia androgénica y lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) de larga data con resultados subóptimos luego de algunos tratamientos realizados con anterioridad, el manejo de la alopecia es un desafío médico pues no solo se trata de un padecimiento estético si no de posibles factores de riesgo para patologías psiquiátricas, por lo que es importante el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos. Existen numerosos tratamientos para la alopecia androgénica desde tratamientos tópicos, vía oral, mesoterapia, entre otros. En este caso en particular se presenta la respuesta satisfactoria tras el inicio de minoxidil vía oral y tópica.
Hair is not only a matter of personal image, below is a clinical case of a patient with long-standing androgenic alopecia and lupus with suboptimal results after some previous treatments, the management of alopecia is a medical challenge because it is not only an aesthetic condition but also possible risk factors for psychiatric pathologies, timely diagnosis and treatment is important. There are numerous treatments for androgenic alopecia from topical treatments, oral route and mesotherapy among others. In this particular case, a satisfactory response is presented after starting oral and topical minoxidil.
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Introducción. El síndrome de Rhupus es la superposición de dos enfermedades autoinmunes, la artritis reumatoide o artritis idiopática juvenil y el lupus eritematoso sistémico, la prevalencia es de 7-401 por 100,000 niños. El síndrome de Felty se caracteriza por la tríada de artritis idiopática juvenil, esplenomegalia y neutropenia; padecer más de una patología reumática es un extraño fenómeno estimado entre el 0.01-2%. Objetivo. Describir el proceso de atención de enfermería integral en una adolescente con Rhupus y síndrome de Felty, bajo el modelo de adaptación de Callista Roy. Metodología. Caso clínico de enfermería en una paciente de 15 años seleccionada en hospitalización pediátrica, con previo consentimiento informado; intervenida a través del proceso de atención de enfermería estructurado según la taxonomía de la North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, la Clasificación de Resultados de Enfermería, y la Clasificación de Intervenciones de Enfermería, con intervenciones intrahospitalarias y seguimiento con tele-enfermería. Resultados. Mejoría de la ambulación y afrontamiento de problemas evidenciados por el aumento del bienestar de la paciente y la familia. Conclusiones. Ante una enfermedad desconocida, el proceso de atención de enfermería, con intervenciones directas y acompañamiento continuo, permite realizar una atención integral, a fin de lograr la adaptación de la paciente y su familia. Palabras clave: Adaptación Psicológica; Atención de Enfermería; Enfermería; Síndrome de Felty; Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico; Resiliencia Psicológica.
Introduction. Rhupus syndrome is the overlap of two autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, with a prevalence of 7-401 per 100,000 children. Felty's syndrome is characterized by the triad of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, splenomegaly, and neutropenia; experiencing more than one rheumatic pathology is a rare phenomenon estimated between 0.01-2%. Objective. Describe the comprehensive nursing care process in an adolescent with Rhupus and Felty's syndrome, under the adaptation model of Callista Roy. Methodology. Nursing case study of a 15-year-old patient selected in pediatric hospitalization, with prior informed consent; intervened through the structured nursing care process according to the taxonomy of the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, the Nursing Outcomes Classification, and the Nursing Interventions Classification, with in-hospital interventions and follow-up through tele-nursing. Results. Improvement in ambulation and coping with problems evidenced by the increased well-being of the patient and the family. Conclusions. Faced with an unknown disease, the nursing care process, with direct interventions and continuous support, allows for comprehensive care to achieve the adaptation of the patient and her family. Keywords: Adaptation, Psychological; Nursing Care; Nursing; Felty Syndrome; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Resilience, Psychological.
Introdução. A síndrome de Rhupus é a sobreposição de duas doenças autoimunes, artrite reumatoide ou artrite idiopática juvenil e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, a prevalência é de 7-401 por 100,000 crianças. A síndrome de Felty é caracterizada pela tríade de artrite idiopática juvenil, esplenomegalia e neutropenia; sofrer de mais de uma patologia reumática é um fenômeno estranho estimado entre 0.01-2%. Objetivo. Descrever o processo de assistência integral de enfermagem em uma adolescente com Rhupus e síndrome de Felty, sob o modelo de adaptação de Callista Roy. Metodologia. Caso clínico de enfermagem em uma paciente de 15 anos selecionada em internação pediátrica, com prévio consentimento informado; ela teve intervenção por meio do processo de cuidado de enfermagem estruturado segundo a taxonomia da North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, a Classificação dos Resultados de Enfermagem e a Classificação das Intervenções de Enfermagem, com intervenções intra-hospitalares e acompanhamento com tele-enfermagem. Resultados. Melhora na deambulação e enfrentamento de problemas evidenciados pelo aumento do bem-estar do paciente e da família. Conclusões. Diante de uma doença desconhecida, o processo de assistência de enfermagem, com intervenções diretas e acompanhamento contínuo, permite um cuidado integral, de forma a alcançar a adaptação do paciente e de sua família. Palavras-chave: Adaptação Psicológica; Cuidados de Enfermagem; Enfermagem; Síndrome de Felty; Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico; Resiliência Psicológica.
Sujet(s)
Syndrome de Felty , Adaptation psychologique , Soins , Résilience psychologique , Lupus érythémateux disséminé , Soins infirmiersRÉSUMÉ
Abstract Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of varied clinical expression, which may present as an exclusively cutaneous disease or be one of the multiple manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Its classification includes acute, subacute, intermittent, chronic and bullous subtypes, which are usually identified based on clinical features and histopathological and laboratory findings. Other non-specific cutaneous manifestations may be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and are usually related to disease activity. Environmental, genetic and immunological factors play a role in the pathogenesis of skin lesions in lupus erythematosus. Recently, considerable progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms involved in their development, which allows for foreseeing future targets for more effective treatments. This review proposes to discuss the main etiopathogenic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, aiming to update internists and specialists from different areas.
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Introducción: Las manifestaciones dermatológicas constituyen un grupo fundamental dentro de la morbilidad extraarticular en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico. Su importancia radica en la elevada frecuencia de presentación y en el papel diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Objetivo: Describir las manifestaciones dermatológicas identificadas en pacientes con diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico. Métodos: Investigación básica, descriptiva, transversal, que tuvo como universo a 87 pacientes con diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico, según criterios del Colegio Americano de Reumatología, atendidos durante el periodo junio 2017 - junio 2022 en la consulta externa de reumatología de la Clínica Metropolitana de la ciudad de Riobamba. La muestra quedó conformada por 72 pacientes a los cuales se les aplicó una encuesta para obtener información relacionada con las características generales de los pacientes y de la enfermedad. Resultados: Promedio de edad de 40,59 años, predominio de pacientes entre 40 y 49 años (30,56 %), del sexo femenino (95,83 %) y con tiempo de evolución entre 1 y 5 años (62,50 %). El 86,11 % de los pacientes refirió manifestaciones dermatológicas, el rash malar (74,19 %) y el livedo reticular (33,87 %) fueron las de mayor frecuencia de presentación. El 65,30 % de los casos usan protección solar, el bloqueador solar fue el más utilizado (61,70 %). Conclusiones: Las manifestaciones dermatológicas más frecuentes en el curso evolutivo del lupus fueron el rash malar, livedo reticular y la alopecia.
Introduction: Dermatological manifestations constitute a fundamental group within extra-articular morbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Its importance lies in the high frequency of presentation and in the diagnostic role of the disease. Objective: To describe the dermatological manifestations identified in patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods: Basic, descriptive, cross-sectional research, whose universe was 87 patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, treated during the period June 2017 - June 2022 in the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the Metropolitan Clinic. from the city of Riobamba. The sample was made up of 72 patients to whom a survey was applied to obtain information related to the general characteristics of the patients and the disease. Results: Average age of 40.59 years, predominance of patients between 40 and 49 years (30.56%), female (95.83%) and with evolution time between 1 and 5 years (62.50%). 86.11% of the patients reported dermatological manifestations, malar rash (74.19%) and livedo reticularis (33.87%) were the most frequently present. 65.30% of the cases used sun protection, being sunscreen the most used (61.70%). Conclusions: Dermatological manifestations are frequent in the evolutionary course of lupus, predominantly malar rash, livedo reticularis and alopecia.
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RESUMEN La retinopatía de Purtscher-like es una enfermedad ocular poco común que se manifiesta con pérdida súbita de la visión, asociada con una patología sistémica como lo es el lupus eritematoso sistémico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 25 arios, con retino patía Purtscher-like como primera manifestación de lupus eritematoso sistêmico, evaluado en un centro de alta complejidad de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Se observa mejoría de signos y síntomas posteriormente al inicio de corticosteroides y terapia con ciclofosfamida intravenosa mensual. Se considera fundamental la valoración oftalmológica temprana en pacientes con sospecha de enfermedades autoinmunes, para realizar diagnósticos tempra nos y mejorar el pronóstico de los pacientes.
A B S T R A C T Purtscher-like retinopathy is a rare ocular disease that manifests with sudden loss of vision, associated with a systemic pathology such as systemic lupus erythematosus. We present the case of a 25-year-old male patient with Purtscher-like retinopathy as the first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, evaluated in a high-complexity centre in the city of Medellín, Colombia. Improvement of signs and symptoms was observed after the start of corticosteroids and monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy. We consider prompt ophthalmological evaluation essential in patients with suspected autoimmune diseases, to make an early diagnosis and improve the prognosis.
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Abstract Background: Comedogenic lupus is an uncommon variant of cutaneous lupus, clinically characterized by the presence of comedones, papules and erythematous-infiltrated plaques, cysts and scars in photo-exposed areas, mimicking acne vulgaris and acneiform eruptions. Objectives: To report clinicopathological characteristics of patients with comedogenic lupus in a tertiary dermatology service over a 15-year period and review cases described in the literature. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with clinical and histopathological diagnoses of comedogenic lupus between the years 2006 and 2021. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed and VHL Regional Portal databases, using the terms: ''comedogenic lupus'' and ''acneiform lupus'' in Portuguese and English. Results: Five patients were diagnosed during the described period, all female, with a mean age of 56.6 years. Smoking was observed in three cases, as well as pruritus. The most affected site was the face, especially the pre-auricular, malar and chin regions. Follicular plugs, epidermal thinning and liquefaction degeneration of the basal layer were predominant histopathological findings. Hydroxychloroquine was used as the first-line treatment; however, other medications were used, such as dapsone, methotrexate, tretinoin cream, and topical corticosteroids. The literature search identified 17 cases, with a mean age of 38.9 years, 82% of which were women. Only 23% had a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Hydroxychloroquine was the most recommended systemic medication. Study limitations: Retrospective, single-center study. The literature search was carried out in two databases. Conclusions: Dermatologists should be aware of acneiform conditions with poor response to the usual treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of unaesthetic scars.
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Introducción . El LES pediátrico (LESp) representa el 15% de todos los pacientes con LES. La afectación renal y neuropsiquiátrica es más agresivo en el LESp, siendo la afectación de un solo órgano la forma clínica de aparición más común. Formas de presentación como infarto cerebral y serositis son manifestaciones poco frecuentes en el LESp. El tratamiento de un LESp no difiere al de las formas adultas y el arsenal terapéutico es el mismo. El rituximab (RTX) es un agente biológico utilizado a nivel mundial en LES con excelentes resultados, sin embargo, aún no existe consenso sobre su eficacia real en LESp. Objetivos . Presentación de 2 casos de LESp con infarto cerebral y serositis como forma de presentación, que no respondieron a la terapia convencional pero sí a RTX. Métodos . Reporte de caso, con descripción del cuadro clínico, método diagnóstico y forma de tratamiento. Resultados. Primer caso: mujer de 16 años que consulta por cefalea progresiva con crisis tónico-clónica. La tomografía cerebral mostró un infarto cerebral frontoparietal izquierdo. En el examen físico se encontró livedo reticularis en miembros inferiores, dolor articular, caída del cabello y úlceras orales. Las pruebas revelaron anemia normocítica, trombocitopenia, disminución del complemento, 1/320 ANA con patrón homogéneo, 3.200 mg de proteína en muestra de orina de 24 horas y anticuerpos antifosfolipídicos negativos. Se realizó diagnóstico de LESp con compromiso renal, neurológico y hematológico, decidiendo uso de metilprednisolona 1 g EV diario durante 3 días, para luego pasar a ciclofosfamida 1 g EV mensual por 6 meses. Después de 3 meses persisten proteinuria, fatiga y artralgias. Por este motivo, se decidió utilizar rituximab a una dosis de 375 mg / m2 en días 1 y 15 cada 6 meses. Tras 4 infusiones, la proteinuria desapareció, así como las artralgias y malestar general. Actualmente mantiene scores SLEDAI-2K en remisión, con dosis bajas de prednisona. Segundo caso: niño de 10 años, presentó dolor abdominal difuso con distensión asociada de inicio más o menos abrupto. Se agregó cansancio, dificultad para respirar y palpitaciones. Una radiografía simple de abdomen no mostró niveles hidroaéreos, pero la placa torácica demostró derrame pleural bilateral con agrandamiento de la silueta cardíaca. Un ecocardiograma y una ecografía abdominal reveló derrame pericárdico y ascitis respectivamente. Al examen físico se observó palidez general, edema translúcido de miembros inferiores, roce pericárdico y disminución del soplo vesicular en ambas bases pulmonares. Las pruebas de laboratorio mostraron leucopenia, linfopenia, anemia normocítica, reactantes de fase aguda elevados, ANA 1/560, anti-ADN 280 U / mL, complemento disminuido, transaminasas elevadas, urea y creatinina normales. Se diagnosticó LESp y se pulsó con metilprednisolona 30 mg / kg / dosis durante 4 días, para luego pasar a micofenolato 600 mg / m2 diarios. Inicialmente hubo mejoría, pero después de 2 meses reapareció la serositis inicial. Se decidió usar rituximab 375 mg / m2. Después de la segunda infusión la serositis desapareció, normalizándose valores de hemograma, complemento y transaminasas. Actualmente se encuentra en remisión, con dosis bajas de prednisona. Conclusión . Los casos presentados debutaron con infarto cerebral y serositis, mostraron ANA elevados títulos y disminución del complemento. Ambos casos mejoraron con rituximab tras el fracaso a ciclofosfamida y micofenolato. Se obtuvo el consentimiento informado de los padres y los pacientes.
Introduction . Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) represents 15% of all SLE patients. Renal and neuropsychiatric involvement are more aggressive in pSLE, and single organ involvement is the most commonly found clinical form. Conditions such as cerebral infarction and serositis are unusual manifestation of pSLE. Therapy for pSLE is not different from that for the adult forms, and the therapy armamentarium is the same. Rituximab (RTX) is a worldwide used biological for SLE, with excellent results; however, there is still no consensus with respect to is real efficacy in pSLE. Objectives . Presentation of two pSLE cases with cerebral infarction and serositis as main characteristics, who did not respond to conventional therapy, but who did respond to RTX. Methods . Case report, describing the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and therapy approach used. Results . First case: This is a sixteen-year-old girl who was brought because of progressing headache and a tonic-clonic crisis. The brain CT scan showed a left frontoparietal cerebral infarction. Physical examination revealed livedo reticularis in both legs, joint pain, hair loss, and mouth ulcers. Laboratory tests revealed normocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, reduced complement, 1/320 ANA with a homogeneous pattern, 3.200 mg 24-hour proteinuria, and negative anti-phospholipidic antibodies. A pSLE diagnosis was made, with renal, neurologic, and hematologic involvement, so it was decided to use methylprednisolone, 1 gram IV per day for three days, and then switch to cyclophosphamide 1 g IV per month for 6 months. After three months, proteinuria, fatigue, and arthralgia persisted. For this reason, it was decided to administer rituximab, 375 mg/m2 in days 1 and 15, every six months. After four infusions, proteinuria, joint pain and malaise all disappeared. Nowadays this patient maintains SLEDAI-K scores in remission, and she is also receiving low-dose prednisone. Second case: This is a ten-year-old boy, who presented with abrupt diffuse abdominal pain associated with (abdominal) distention. Other manifestations were tiredness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. A plain abdomen X-ray film did not show hydro-aerial levels, but the chest X-ray film showed bilateral pleural effusion, and enlarged cardiac silhouette. Cardiac ultrasonography and abdominal ultrasonography revealed pericardial effusion and ascites, respectively. Findings in physical examination showed pallor translucid edema of the legs, pericardial throbbing, and reduced respiratory sounds in both pulmonary bases. Laboratory tests revealed leukopenia, lymphopenia, normocytic anemia, elevated acute phase reactants, ANA 1/560, anti-DNA 280 U/mL, reduced complement, elevated transaminases, and normal urea and creatinine. pSLE was diagnosed, and therapy instituted was methylprednisolone 30 mg/Kg/dose for 4 days, then it was switched to mycophenolate 600 mg/m2 per day. There was improvement initially, but after two months, serositis reappeared. Then it was decided to start rituximab 375 mg/m2. After the second infusion, serositis disappeared, and CBC, complement, and transaminase values returned to normal. Nowadays the patient is in remission, and he is receiving low-dose prednisone. Conclusión . Both presented cases featured cerebral infarction and serositis. They also showed high ANA titers and reduced complement. Both patients improved their condition with rituximab after failure with cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate. Informed consent from both parents and patients was obtained.
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Objective:To investigate the positive and negative affect of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), explore the effect of social support, self-efficacy and psychological resilience on positive and negative affect and relationships among these factors, and provide reference for improving the emotional health of SLE patients.Methods:This was a cross-sectional survey. From February to May 2021, 142 SLE patients attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University were selected by convenience sampling. Participants were investigated by the general information questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. And path analysis was performed to analyze the effect of social support, self-efficacy and psychological resilience on positive and negative affect.Results:A total of 127 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 89.44%. The positive and negative affect scores of 127 SLE patients were (28.09±7.31) and (25.83±8.10) points. And the positive rate (ratio of positive to negative affect) was 1.09; positive affect was positively correlated with social support, self-efficacy and psychological resilience ( r=0.412, 0.448, 0.533, all P<0.01), and negative affect was negatively associated with social support, self-efficacy and psychological resilience ( r=-0.313, -0.239, -0.382, all P<0.01); the results of the path analysis showed that the standardized total effects of social support, self-efficacy and psychological resilience on positive and negative affect in SLE patients were 0.341, 0.313, 0.632 and -0.237, -0.218, -0.439, respectively. There were significant mediating effects between social support and positive and negative affect (95% CI 0.035 -0.111, -0.087- -0.026) mediated by self-efficacy and psychological resilience. Social support could affect positive and negative affect through psychological resilience ( β=0.104, -0.080, both P<0.01) and through self-efficacy and psychological resilience ( β=0.065, -0.050, both P<0.01). Conclusions:Social support, self-efficacy and psychological resilience are the primary factors influencing positive and negative affect in SLE patients. Increasing social support to encourage patients to take social participation more actively and improving the self-efficacy as well as psychological resilience are ought to do for promoting their emotional health.
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Objective To observe the value of two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging(2D-STI)for evaluating right ventricular(RV)synchrony of early stage systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).Methods Totally 60 SLE patients(SLE group)and 65 healthy subjects(control group)who underwent echocardiography were retrospectively enrolled.The general data,conventional ultrasonic parameters,strain parameters based on 2D-STI and synchrony parameters based on 2D-STI were compared between groups.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations of general information,conventional ultrasonic parameters and strain parameters with synchrony parameters in SLE group.Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the independent impact factors of RV synchrony of early stage SLE.Results No significant difference of general data nor conventional ultrasound parameters was found between groups(all P＞0.05).Strain parameters in SLE group were all lower,whereas synchrony parameters in SLE group were all higher than those in control group(all P＜0.05).In SLE group,synchrony parameters of RV(standard deviation of time to peak strain of global[SD-TPSglobal],of free wall[SD-TPSfree]and of interventricular septum[SD-TPSseptal])were positively and weakly correlated with both SLE duration and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index(SLEDAI)(| r | 0.256-0.273,all P＜0.05),but slightly and negatively correlated with global longitudinal strain(GLS)of RV(| r | 0.435-0.488,all P＜0.05).GLS of RV was the independent impact factor of synchrony parameters of early stage SLE(P＜0.05).Conclusion 2D-STI could be used to evaluate synchrony of RV in early stage SLE through measuring GLS of RV.
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Objective:To assess the changes of peripheral blood NK cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) following belimumab and classic therapy.Methods:From January 2020 to March 2022, peripheral lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry in SLE patients treated with Belimumab and classic therapy. The duration of treatment was 24 weeks. A total of 40 treated SLE patients were enrolled. The lymphocyte subsets in healthy donors were used as normal control group. Paired sample t-test, rank-sum test, Spearman correlation and generalized linear mixed model were used for statistical analysis. Results:In contrast to healthy subjects, the numbers of NK cells in SLE patients before treatment were significantly decreased [276.0 (179.8, 384.0) cells/μl vs. 61.4 (43.0, 105.1) cells/μl; Z=-7.32, P<0.001], although that after treatment was higher than that before treatment [61.4 (43.0, 105.1) cells/μl vs. 107.7 (72.5, 186.5) cells/μl; Z= -3.22, P<0.001]. Generalized linear mixed model results showed that the increase in serum levels of C3 ( t= -2.94, P=0.006) and NK cells ( t=-2.25, P=0.031) were associated with a decrease of anti-dsDNA antibody titers. The cutoff value of elevated counts of NK cells after treatment was equal or more than 38.5 cells/μl with a sensitivity of 61.9% and a specificity of 81.2%. Compared with those with elevated counts of NK cells ≤38.5 cells/μl, patients with elevated counts of NK cells >38.5 cells/μl had a bigger difference anti-dsDNA antibody [49.2 (0.2, 207.2) vs. 156.2 (19.8, 260.7); Z=-1.55, P=0.120] and a bigger difference of SLEDAI-2000[4.5 (0.0, 10.0) vs. 13.0 (4.5, 18.0); Z=-2.52, P=0.012]. Conclusion:The change in the numbers of NK cells may serve as biomarkers for evaluating the therapeutic responses of SLE. Combinatory approaches employing belimumab and classic therapy may control SLE disease by increasing the number of NK cells
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Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of belimumab(BLM) in patients with SLE.Methods:Clinical data were collected for SLE patients who were diagnosed and treated with BLM in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology (inpatient and outpatient department) of Guilin Medical College Affiliated Hospital from 1 December, 2019 to 12 May, 2023. BLM + standard of care (SOC) for the BLM group and SOC only for the SOC group. The primary clinical endpoint was adverse events (AE) occurring in groups, and the secondary clinical endpoint was disease activity index including SLEDAI-2000, clinical indicators, glucocortoid dosage reduction, and disease flare in the two groups. Propensity score matching method, independent sample t-test, non-parametric rank-sum test, variance analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results:Among the 79 BLM patients included, 48 had hematological impairment (61%), 53 had renal impairment (67%), 11 had skin and mucosal impairment (14%), 20 had joint impairment (25%), and 2 had neurological impairment(3%). There were no serious adverse events during the treatment in both groups. In the BLM group, with 14 cases experienced respiratory system infection, 1 with urinary system infection, 3 with skin infection, 4 with herpes virus infection, and 16 with liver function impairment. In the SOC group, there were 26 cases experienced respiratory system infection, 1 with urinary system infection, 6 with digestive system symptoms, 6 with skin infection, 4 with herpes virus infection, 10 with liver function impairment, 2 with thrombosis, and 1 with sepsis. Patients tolerated BLM generally well, with fewer adverse events occurring [in patients with the long course treatment, the number of AE cases in the BLM group vs SOC group 11 [(33%) vs 22 (68%), ( χ2=3.74, P=0.053)]. From all study groups and high-dose glucocorticoid (≥20 mg) groups, it was observed that the BLM group had a more significant reduction in glucocortoid dose [baseline glocucorticoid reduction in the BLM group decreased from 20 (12, 40)mg/d to 6 (4, 10)mg/d ( Z=0.12, P=0.01). In the renal injury group, after treatment, serum creatinine level decreased in the BLM group glomerular filtration rate increased from 72.37 (41.97, 95.74) to 97.03 (71.18, 114.34) ( Z=-4.62, P<0.001). There was less flares in the BLM group [7 cases (28%) vs 18 cases (72%), χ2=5.58, P=0.018] when compared with the soc group. Conclusion:BLM is safe and effective for the treatment of SLE, which can reduce disease activity, improve clinical parameters, reduce glocucorticoid dosage, and have a low flare rate.