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Invasive fungal infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Marco Ulises Martínez-Martínez1, David Herrera-Van Oostdam, Susana Román-Acosta

  • 1Regional Unit of Rheumatology and Osteoporosis, Central Hospital Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto, and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. V. Carranza 2395, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., Mexico, 78240.

The Journal of Rheumatology
|June 19, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are rare but deadly in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Factors like high C-reactive protein, disease activity, and certain treatments increase IFI risk, leading to higher mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are severe and often fatal. Few cases are documented in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and associated risk factors are not well understood.
  • Understanding factors linked to IFI in SLE is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and identify factors associated with invasive fungal infections (IFI) in patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case-control study was conducted comparing 10 SLE patients with IFI against 50 SLE patients without IFI.
  • Data collected included demographic factors, SLE duration, and recent treatments (e.g., glucocorticoids, mycophenolate mofetil).

Main Results:

  • High C-reactive protein levels, high SLE disease activity, mechanical ventilation, antibiotic use, hemodialysis, high-dose glucocorticoids, and mycophenolate mofetil were significantly associated with IFI.
  • Patients with IFI experienced a fourfold increase in mortality compared to SLE patients without IFI.

Conclusions:

  • Invasive fungal infections are rare in rheumatic diseases but significantly increase morbidity and mortality in SLE patients.
  • Identifying associated factors like high disease activity and specific treatments is key.
  • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of IFI in SLE patients are essential to reduce adverse outcomes.

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