[Nasal reactivity in systemic lupus erythematosus]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Otolaryngology
• Neurology

Background:

• Alterations in nasal respiration are observed in patients with active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
• These respiratory changes are likely disreactive, not directly caused by vasculitic damage.
• Understanding these nasal alterations may provide insights into SLE pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate nasal respiratory function in patients with active SLE.
• To differentiate disreactive nasal changes from vasculitic alterations.
• To explore the link between nasal dysfunction and autonomic neuropathy in SLE.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study comparing active SLE patients with controls.
• Standardized rhinomanometry, including basal, positional, and cold-water stimulation tests.
• Patients selected based on nasal breathing difficulty and absence of significant rhinological findings.

Main Results:

• SLE patients showed a "paradoxical response" during positional testing (50-66%).
• Statistically significant increase in nasal resistance in SLE patients compared to controls (p < 0.05) during positional and cold-water tests.
• Rhinomanometric findings indicate nasal mucosa disreactivity, consistent with vasomotor rhinopathy.

Conclusions:

• Nasal airflow alterations in SLE patients suggest disreactivity and autonomic nervous system involvement.
• Findings support the hypothesis of autonomic neuropathy contributing to nasal symptoms in SLE.
• Nasal disreactivity may serve as an indicator of underlying autonomic dysfunction in SLE.