Analysis of 5-year survival rate and prognostic indicators of systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the 5-year survival rate,causes of death and prognostic indicators of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 243 newly diagnosed SLE patients who Were admitted into our hospital from 1998 to 2005.The clinical features and serologic data were studied.Survival rate of SLE patients over time was studied by the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic indicators of mortality were studied by Cox proportional hazards models.Results The 1-,3- and 5-yr survival rate was 96%,94% and 91%,respectively.Renal failure and infection were the main causes of death,followed by lupus encephalotmthy and pulmonary hypertension.Cox regression analysis revealed that lupus nephritis and lupus encephalopathy at the diagnosis were independent risk determinants for mortality.However,age,sex,low C3 level,positive anti-dsDNA antibody,hematological abnormalities,lupus lung involvement and heart damages at diagnosis and immunosuppressant treatment had no strong association with survival.Conclusion Early diagnosis,control of SLE organ damage and infection prevention are critical to improve survival of SLE patients.