Development of additional autoimmune diseases in a population of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Article Abstract:
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus may develop other autoimmune diseases also. In a study of 215 lupus patients, 30% had at least one other autoimmune disease. Within the entire group, 12 different autoimmune diseases were diagnosed in addition to lupus.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 2000
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Risk factors for avascular necrosis of bone in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: is there a role for antiphospholipid antibodies?
Article Abstract:
Antiphospholipid antibodies do not appear to be responsible for causing avascular necrosis of bone in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Avascular necrosis of bone is the death of bone cells caused by an inadequate supply of blood.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 2000
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Assessment of the effect of oral corticosteroids on bone mineral density in systemic lupus erythematosus: a preliminary study with dual energy x ray absorptiometry
Article Abstract:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects women more often than men and occurs primarily during the reproductive years. Long-term use of corticosteroids is used as treatment of SLE. Estrogen deficiency and the use of glucocorticoids are associated with the development of osteoporosis, a reduction in bone mass below that expected for age and sex. Osteoporosis is related to an increased risk of fractures. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, a new technique for rapid assessment of bone mineral density (BMD), was used in patients with SLE who were taking corticosteroids, to assess possible drug effects on their bone mass. This technique provides clinicians with a significant advancement in the assessment of BMD; precision and quality of the image are high and the procedure causes no discomfort to the patient. A reduction in BMD was seen in patients with SLE who were taking steroids; however, since patients were assessed six months after initiation of steroids, the period when BMD was greatest may have been missed. Continuing reduction in BMD results in a greater risk of fracture than chronically low BMD. In addition, patients in this study were premenopausal and primarily in their 30s; the investigators feel it may be more relevant to assess patients as they reach menopause, when there is a higher risk of osteoporosis. Lupus patients and those receiving steroids are not necessarily at risk for the development of osteoporosis. Further studies are needed to determine if a chronically low BMD or a decreasing BMD is most important in predisposition to osteoporosis. It is important to continue to assess patients as they approach and go through menopause, especially using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, a low risk and convenient procedure. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1990
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