Systemic lupus erythematosus in the intensive care unit

The prototype autoimmune disorder SLE is a highly variable disease characterized by episodic exacerbations, some of which are severe enough to require admission to the ICU. Infection, disease activity, and cardiovascular complications are among the major reasons for admission. Drugs, particularly the immunosuppressants used to treat SLE, often cause as much injury to the immune system as the disease itself, and intensive treatments are often required to combat the side effects of these drugs. Studies indicate that sex, age, and race affect both morbidity and mortality in SLE. Despite well-documented patterns of morbidity and mortality and episodic exacerbations requiring admission to the ICU, the specific nursing care needs of patients with SLE admitted to the ICU have not been investigated.