The tuberculosis infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the prevalence and clinical features of tuberculosis (TB) infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Four hundred and twenty-six patients with SLE in our hospital from 1991 to 2004 were analyzed. Results TB was found in 18/426 (4.2%) patients and 7 (39%) of them died. The morbidity and mortality was obviously higher than in normal peoples. Of all 18 patients, 12, 3, 3 cases suffered pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculo-meningitis and lymphy node tuberculosis respectively. Tuberculin test was strong positive in 2/18 (12.5%) patients and negative in 16/18 (87.5%) patients. The negative rate was significantly higher compared with normal peoples. Fifteen (83%) cases were diagnosed TB infection after taken immunosuppressive agents for 6～36 months. Conclusion Because of long-term immunosuppressive agents therapy, patients with SLE are prone to tuberculosis infection. The clinical manifestation is not always typical and the morbidity and mortality is high. Early detection of TB infection is important.