Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Inflammation in the Co-occurrence of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: September 20, 2024
Factors associated with poor outcomes in SLE patients with COVID-19: Data from ReumaCoV-Brazil register
Joana S Carvalho1, Edgard T Dos Reis Neto2, Adriana M Kakehasi1
1Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas a Saúde do Adulto, Faculdade de Medicina, 28114Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Objectives:
To evaluate factors associated with COVID-19 severity outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of a prospective, multi-stage cohort study-"The ReumaCoV Brazil"-designed to monitor patients with immune-mediated rheumatologic disease (IMRD) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. SLE adult patients with COVID-19 were compared with those without COVID-19. SLE activity was evaluated by the patient global assessment (PGA) and SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K).
Results:
604 SLE patients were included, 317 (52.4%) with COVID-19 and 287 (47.6%) in the control group. SLE COVID-19 patients reported a lower frequency of social isolation and worked more frequently as health professionals. There was no difference in the mean SLEDAI-2K score between groups in the post-COVID-19 period (5.8 [8.6] vs. 4.5 [8.0]; p = 0.190). However, infected patients reported increased SLE activity according to the Patient Global Assessment (PGA) during this period (2.9 [2.9] vs. 2.3 [2.6]; p = 0.031. Arterial hypertension (OR 2.48 [CI 95% 1.04-5.91], p = 0.041), cyclophosphamide (OR 14.32 [CI 95% 2.12-96.77], p = 0.006), dyspnea (OR: 7.10 [CI 95% 3.10-16.23], p < 0.001) and discontinuation of SLE treatment medication during infection (5.38 [CI 95% 1.97-15.48], p = 0.002), were independently associated with a higher chance of hospitalization related to COVID-19. Patients who received telemedicine support presented a 67% lower chance of hospitalization (OR 0.33 [CI 95% 0.12-0.88], p = 0.02).
Conclusion:
Hypertension and cyclophosphamide were associated with a severe outcome, and telemedicine can be a useful tool for SLE patients with COVID-19.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

