Clinical Study on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Complicated with Knee Bone Infarction

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Internal Medicine
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
• Knee bone infarction is a recognized but less common complication of SLE.
• Understanding the risk factors for knee bone infarction in SLE is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical characteristics of knee bone infarction in patients with SLE.
• To identify factors influencing the development of knee bone infarction in SLE patients.
• To enhance the understanding of SLE complicated by knee bone infarction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical data from SLE patients with and without knee bone infarction.
• Matched control group (1:1 ratio) based on age, gender, and disease duration.
• Statistical analysis including rank correlation and multivariate analysis to identify risk factors.

Main Results:

• Knee bone infarction occurred in 36 (6.4%) of 563 SLE patients.
• Higher incidence of Raynaud's phenomenon and anti-nRNP antibody positivity in the knee bone infarction group.
• Increased cumulative glucocorticoid dose observed in patients with knee bone infarction.
• Raynaud's phenomenon identified as an independent risk factor (OR=4.938).

Conclusions:

• Knee bone infarction risk is elevated in SLE patients within 5 years of disease onset and in younger individuals.
• Identified risk factors include Raynaud's phenomenon, anti-nRNP antibody positivity, and early high-dose glucocorticoid therapy.
• Early recognition of these factors can aid in preventing or managing knee bone infarction in SLE.