Characterization of the infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Villa Clara, 2005-2010

Abstract

Infections accounted for 81% in patients with lupus who were admitted to the Arnaldo Milian Castro Provincial University Hospital between 2005 and 2010. However, details are unknown. This led us to conduct a descriptive study to describe these features, characterize the sample according to socio-demographic and clinical variables and identify risk factors. The universe was formed by 65 patients, and 58 formed the sample using purposive sampling. Individual health records were reviewed. Socio-demographic variables (age, sex, occupation) were defined, as well as clinical variables (cause of hospitalization, compromised system, germ, treatment, evolutionary time, cause of death) and risk factors (history, toxic habits). Statistically, absolute and relative frequencies and Chi Square were used. The main results were: 56.9% of patients were between 35 and 44 years of age; 82.8% were female, 67.2% white, 41.4% workers, 100% used steroids, 58.6% were admitted with fever, 51.7% had renal involvement, 75.9% had bacterial infection, 89% died of acute respiratory failure and 100% of them were immunocompromised. It was concluded that: white, worker women between 35 and 44 years of age predominated. Steroid use was the most important risk factor, being widey prescribed during sepsis, with favorable response. Fever predominated as cause of hospitalization, the renal system was the most affected one. The infection was of bacterial origin. The patients died of acute respiratory failure and immunosuppression. It is recommended: enhancing research on the use of steroids in rheumatic diseases and encourage prevention in order to reduce the consequences of infection.