Cytomegalovirus infection in systemic lupus erythematosus: an analysis of 121 cases / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Data of the consecutive cases of SLE complicated with active CMV infection including clinical manifestations, SLEDAI score, dosage of corticosteroid and immunosuppressants used for treatment,radiological and laboratory examinations were collected and analyzed.Results Among 2221 consecutive patients of SLE, 5.4%(121 cases) were diagnosed to be complicated with active CMV infection. Fever was the most common symptom, followed by serious liver function damage,respiratory symptoms,hematological abnormalities, myocarditis, and encephalopathy, accounted for 81%(98cases), 6.6%(8 cases), 4.1%(5 cases), 3.3%(4 cases), 0.8%(1 case), and 0.8%(1 case)respectively; in addition, 22 (18.2%) cases had no symptom. SLEDAI was higher than 15 in 47.1% cases, and 10-14 in 28.1% cases. 81% of patients were treated with corticosteroid, and 55.4% were treated with immunosuppressants. Ganciclovir was given once the diagnosis of active CMV infection was established. In most of the patients, active CMV infection had been controlled within 14-28 days, except 4 died and 6 gave up the therapy. Conclusion SLE with active CMV infection is common,especially in patients who are treated with corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressants. Clinical manifestations of SLE complicated with active CMV infection are generally nonspecific.In patients with unexplained fever,or liver damage,or lung disease,or active SLE patients who have no symptom but are refractory to the treatment, CMV infection should be suspected and the relevant laboratory tests should be ordered for early diagnosis and treatment.