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Systemic lupus erythematosus in males. A study of 107 Latin American patients
J F Molina1, C Drenkard, J Molina
1Department of Internal Medicine, Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México City, México.
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is more severe in Latin American males, who show higher rates of kidney disease, thrombosis, and SLE-related mortality compared to females. This study highlights significant gender-associated differences in SLE presentation and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Gender is known to influence SLE prevalence and severity, but regional variations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender-associated differences in clinical and laboratory features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Latin American population.
- To compare disease severity and outcomes between male and female SLE patients in this region.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory data from 107 Latin American male SLE patients.
- Comparison with a cohort of 1,209 Latin American female SLE patients.
- Evaluation of prevalence of specific clinical features, autoantibodies, treatment, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Male SLE patients exhibited a higher prevalence of renal disease and vascular thrombosis compared to females.
- Increased incidence of anti-dsDNA antibodies and use of moderate to high-dose corticosteroids were observed in males.
- While overall mortality did not differ, SLE-related mortality was significantly higher in males.
Conclusions:
- Latin American males with SLE present with a more severe disease phenotype than females.
- Gender-associated differences in SLE include increased organ involvement and mortality in males from this region.
- Findings emphasize the need for gender-specific considerations in SLE management and research.
Abstract:
Clinical and laboratory features were analyzed in 107 Latin American male patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were compared with a group of 1,209 Latin American female patients with SLE to determine the presence of gender-associated differences. Males had an increased prevalence of renal disease, vascular thrombosis, and the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies, as well as the use of moderate to high doses of corticosteroids, compared with female SLE patients. Although there was no difference in mortality from all causes, SLE-related mortality was higher in the male group. All these findings are consistent with a more severe disease in Latin American males than in female patients from the same region.