Allergic disorders in systemic lupus erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Background:

• Allergic disorders are frequently observed in patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Drug allergies in SLE patients can sometimes precipitate disease flares.
• Understanding the prevalence of various allergies in SLE is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of different allergic disorders in patients with SLE.
• To compare allergy prevalence in SLE patients and their families against a control group.
• To investigate the association between allergies and SLE.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 132 SLE patients and 66 non-lupus controls.
• Evaluation of allergy history, including drug, skin, and insect allergies.
• Assessment of allergic conditions in family members of SLE patients.
• Measurement of total IgE levels in a subset of patients and controls.

Main Results:

• 63% of SLE patients reported at least one allergic disorder, significantly higher than controls (20%).
• SLE patients showed higher rates of drug allergy (38% vs. 17%), skin allergy (36% vs. 17%), and insect allergy (14% vs. 2%).
• Family members of SLE patients had increased prevalence of allergies (55% vs. 24%), allergic rhinitis (30% vs. 14%), and asthma (25% vs. 9%).
• No significant difference in total IgE levels was observed between SLE patients and controls.

Conclusions:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus is strongly associated with a higher prevalence of various allergies, including drug, skin, and insect allergies.
• A familial predisposition to allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma is more common in families of SLE patients.
• These findings highlight the significant comorbidity of allergic disorders in SLE and suggest a potential shared etiological component.