Systemic lupus erythematosus, gender differences in Colombian patients

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with variable clinical manifestations.
• Understanding gender-specific differences in SLE is crucial for tailored patient management and improved outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical and immunological presentation of SLE between males and females in a Colombian population.
• To identify gender-related disparities in disease activity, complications, and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, cross-sectional study involving 200 Colombian SLE patients over six years.
• Data collection included clinical features, immunological markers, hospitalization details, and mortality.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive, group comparison, bivariate, and multivariate analyses using Stata 12.0.

Main Results:

• Males (15.5%) showed higher disease activity (ECLAM score), more respiratory compromise, and increased prevalence of smoking and cyclophosphamide use compared to females (84.5%).
• Multivariate analysis indicated higher risks in males for respiratory symptoms (OR 3.35), anti-DNA antibodies (OR 2.46), smoking (OR 4.2), cyclophosphamide use (OR 3.23), chronic pulmonary alterations (OR 2.51), readmission (OR 2.88), long hospitalization (OR 3.12), and death (OR 3.31).

Conclusions:

• This is the first study to demonstrate significant gender-based differences in SLE patients within a Colombian cohort.
• Male SLE patients exhibit greater disease activity and a higher propensity for pulmonary impairment, prolonged hospitalizations, readmissions, and mortality compared to females.