Mortality study in Puerto Ricans with systemic lupus erythematosus

P R Health Sci J. 2000 Dec;19(4):335-9.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the most common causes of death among Puerto Ricans with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods: Chart and record review of all deaths related to SLE complications from 1960 to 1994 at the University of Puerto Rico Hospital.

Results: Out of 662 patients diagnosed with SLE 161 (24%) died. There were 151 (94%) females and 10 (6%) males. Mean duration of disease was 11.5 years. Mean age at death was 37 years. The primary causes of death were infection in 44 (27%), uremia in 42 (26%), cardiovascular complications in 33 (20%), central nervous system complications in 18 (11%), and pulmonary complications (other than infectious pneumonia) in 12 (7%).

Conclusions: The most common causes of death in SLE were infections and renal disease.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cause of Death
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / mortality*
  • Male
  • Puerto Rico
  • Retrospective Studies