Prevalence of major adverse cardiovascular events among Saudi patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared with the general population: updates from the national SLE and PURE cohorts.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among Saudi patients with SLE and the general population and considered factors associated with such outcomes were taken into consideration. METHODS: This is a cohort study evaluating the period prevalence of MACE from 2020 to 2023. The study used two datasets, namely the Saudi national prospective cohort for SLE patients and the Prospective Urban-Rural Epidemiology Study Saudi subcohort (PURE-Saudi) for the general population. Participants in both studies were monitored using a standardised protocol. MACE was defined as myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or angina. The analysis was adjusted for demographics, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and SLE diagnosis through logistic regression models. RESULTS: The PURE and national SLE cohorts comprised 488 and 746 patients, respectively. Patients with SLE from the SLE cohort were younger (40.7±12.5 vs 49.5±8.6 years) and predominantly female (90.6% vs 41.6%). The prevalence of traditional risk factors was greater in the PURE cohort compared with the SLE cohort. These factors included dyslipidaemia (28.9% vs 49.4%), obesity (63% vs 85%) and diabetes (7.8% vs 27.2%), but not hypertension (19.3% vs 18.8%). MACE (defined as MI or stroke or venous thromboembolism or heart failure) occurred more frequently in patients with SLE (4.3% vs 1.6%, p=0.004). Older age and lupus diagnosis were independently associated with MACE after adjusting for conventional risk factors. The odds of MACE were significantly related to age and lupus diagnosis (p=0.00 and p=0.00, respectively), but not cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (p=0.83). CONCLUSION: Patients with SLE have a significantly higher risk of developing MACE than the general population. This risk is not well explained by traditional risk factors, which may explain the failure of CVD risk scores to stratify patients with SLE adequately. Further studies are needed to understand CVD risk's pathogenesis in SLE and mitigate it.

Knowledge and attitude toward coronavirus disease 19 pandemic among Saudi Arabia population: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 19 is a pandemic affecting millions worldwide. Since February 2020, new cases are reported in Saudi Arabia, and regulations have been imposed to control the spread of the disease and raise awareness. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the Kingdom's residents toward coronavirus disease 19 during the early stages of the pandemic. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 2071 participants who were recruited from various cities in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was shared through social media, which contained questions about demographic data, general knowledge of coronavirus disease 19, and participants' attitudes. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 34 ± 12.4 years. Most of the participants agreed that coronavirus disease 19 is a pandemic and is more serious than seasonal influenza. More than 90% believed that handwashing and social distancing are effective in preventing disease transmission. No significant results were observed when comparing the knowledge of high-risk participants and the normal population. More than half of the cohort were strictly compliant with curfew regulations, handwashing, and face mask. Around 80% of the population is following coronavirus disease 19 news and information through official authorities' press releases. CONCLUSION: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia residents showed decent knowledge of coronavirus disease 19. Nevertheless, some information needs emphasizing and proper education. Frequent communication between healthcare authorities and the public is highly recommended.