Initial disease severity, cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

SLE is associated with high risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, and has a wide spectrum of presentations. We investigated whether SLE severity at diagnosis was associated with CVD or mortality risk.

Methods

Within Medicaid (2000-10), we identified patients 18-65 years of age with incident SLE. Initial SLE severity was classified-mild, moderate, or severe-during the baseline year prior to the start of follow-up (incident index date) using a published algorithm based on SLE-related medications and diagnoses. Patients were followed from the index date to the first CVD event or death, disenrollment, loss to follow-up or end of follow-up period. Cox and Fine-Gray regression models, adjusted for demographics and comorbidities accounting for the competing

SUBMITTER: Li D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7759736 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature