Long-term compliance with continous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rheumatology
• Clinical Immunology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with significant morbidity in children.
• Data on childhood SLE in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, is limited.
• Understanding the clinical spectrum and outcomes in this population is crucial for improved management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical characteristics, organ involvement, and survival rates of Saudi children diagnosed with SLE.
• To provide insights into the prevalence and presentation of pediatric SLE in the region.
• To contribute to the largest collection of childhood SLE cases from the Middle East.

Main Methods:

• A ten-year retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 Saudi children diagnosed with SLE before age 16.
• Patients met the 1982 American College of Rheumatology revised criteria for SLE.
• Data collected included demographics, age of onset, clinical features, organ system involvement, and survival.

Main Results:

• The female to male ratio was 5:1, with a mean age of onset of 12.1 years.
• High rates of organ involvement were observed: musculoskeletal (91.6%), skin (81.6%), hematological (66.6%), renal (65%), cardiovascular (38%), and central nervous system (38%).
• The mortality rate was 6.6%, with deaths attributed to renal failure, meningitis, and sepsis.

Conclusions:

• Childhood SLE is more prevalent in Saudi Arabia than previously recognized.
• Pediatric SLE in this cohort presents with substantial multi-organ involvement.
• Early diagnosis and comprehensive management are essential to improve outcomes for children with SLE in the region.