Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Retinopathy in Newly-Diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Should We Screen for Ocular Involvement? Publisher



Bashiri H1 ; Karimi N2 ; Mostafaei S3 ; Baghdadi A2 ; Nejadhosseinian M2 ; Faezi ST2
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
  2. 2. Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, North Amirabad street, Tehran, 1411713137, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

Source: BMC Rheumatology Published:2021


Abstract

Background: Ocular manifestations are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Retinopathy has previously been linked to disease severity and might have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life and has also been associated with a poor prognosis in SLE. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of retinopathy among patients who are newly diagnosed with SLE. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, patients diagnosed with SLE at a tertiary referral clinic were assessed for inclusion between March 2016 and March 2017. Patients who had received treatment for SLE at any time were excluded, as well as patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coagulopathy. Clinical findings and laboratory test results were recorded, and patients were examined by an ophthalmologist for evidence of retinal pathologies. SLE disease activity index was also calculated for all patients. Results: With 114 patients included in the final analysis, we found a prevalence of 15.8% for retinopathy among newly-diagnosed SLE patients. Cotton-wool spots were the most common finding (78%). Patients with retinopathy had significantly lower hemoglobin levels, C3 and C4 concentrations, and higher ANA and Anti-dsDNA levels. Also, patients with retinopathy had a significantly higher SLE DAI score. Conclusions: We found a relatively high rate of retinopathy in SLE patients at the time of their initial diagnosis. Our findings suggest that retinopathy is an early manifestation of the disease. Ophthalmologic screening might be considered for SLE patients at the time of diagnosis, especially for those with severe disease. We also encourage researchers to further evaluate the correlation between retinopathy and disease activity, and the prognosis of ocular involvement. © 2021, The Author(s).