Incidence and Factors Associated With Recurrent Pericarditis in Lupus

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rheumatology
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Research

Background:

• Pericarditis is a frequent cardiac complication in SLE patients.
• Recurrence of pericarditis is common in SLE, but prevalence and risk factors remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of recurrent pericarditis in SLE patients.
• To identify risk factors associated with pericarditis recurrence in SLE.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of SLE patients from 1988-2023.
• Utilized the Safety of Estrogens in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment revision of the SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) to define pericarditis.
• Assessed recurrence at least 6 weeks after the initial episode.

Main Results:

• 120 out of 590 SLE patients (20.3%) experienced recurrent pericarditis.
• Recurrence rate was 0.053 per person-year.
• Risk factors for recurrence included younger age, prednisone treatment (≥20 mg), active SLE (SLEDAI ≥3), and shorter time since initial episode.

Conclusions:

• Recurrent pericarditis in SLE is more likely within the first year.
• Younger patients, those with active disease, and those on oral prednisone are at higher risk.
• Findings suggest cautious use of oral corticosteroids for pericarditis in SLE patients.