Drug History and SLE Laboratory Findings Among Iraqi Patients: A Hospital-Based Study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse organ involvement.
• SLE disproportionately affects women of reproductive age, with a notable female-to-male ratio.
• Limited data exists on SLE in developing countries, necessitating region-specific research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the drug history and laboratory findings of SLE patients in Iraq.
• To provide comprehensive insights into SLE characteristics within the Iraqi population.
• To contribute to the global understanding of SLE by addressing data gaps from developing regions.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Baghdad Medical Complex.
• Data was collected from SLE patients attending the outpatient clinic between September and December 2022.
• Inclusion criteria encompassed patients for follow-up, symptom exacerbation, or initial diagnosis.

Main Results:

• The study observed a high female preponderance (19:1 ratio) among Iraqi SLE patients.
• The mean age of patients was 34 years, with the disease prevalent in the reproductive age group.
• Common symptoms included photosensitivity (79.5%), hair loss (74%), and malar rash (72.5%).
• High rates of positive antinuclear antibodies (73.5%) and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (65%) were reported.

Conclusions:

• This research offers critical insights into SLE management and laboratory findings in Iraq.
• The study emphasizes the influence of unique Iraqi genetic and environmental factors on SLE patterns.
• Findings enhance global medical literature and understanding of SLE epidemiology worldwide.