Associated Variables of Myositis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cross-Sectional Study
May 2017
in “
Medical Science Monitor
”
TLDR Myositis in lupus patients is linked to skin rash, hair loss, blood issues, and high disease activity.
The study investigated the prevalence and associated variables of myositis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, including 1701 participants, and found a 2.6% prevalence rate. Myositis was linked to younger age, shorter disease duration, and clinical features like skin rash, alopecia, pericarditis, vasculitis, and hematological abnormalities such as leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Active lupus disease was strongly associated with myositis, while corticosteroid or immunosuppressive drug use was negatively associated. The study concluded that organ damage, hematological abnormalities, and high disease activity promoted myositis progression in lupus patients, with alopecia reflecting myositis activity and hair regrowth occurring with immunosuppressive treatment.