Pericarditis is the most frequent cardiac complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the factors contributing to its recurrence have not been well understood. Researchers of a recent study using data from the Hopkins Lupus Cohort, aimed to identify the frequency and risk factors for recurrent pericarditis in patients with SLE. Among 2,931 patients studied between 1998 and 2023, 590 had a history of pericarditis. Of those, 20.3% experienced recurrent episodes, with nearly half experiencing two or more recurrences. The majority of first episodes occurred in women under 30 years of age.
Multivariable analysis revealed that younger age, high-dose prednisone use, active SLE disease, and time since the first pericarditis episode were significant predictors of recurrence. The findings suggest that oral prednisone, while commonly used to manage SLE flares, may increase the risk of pericarditis recurrence and should be used cautiously in these patients. The study highlights a need to reevaluate current treatment approaches and to further explore alternative therapies for managing lupus-related pericarditis.
Reference: Kim Y. Patients With Lupus at Risk for Recurrent Pericarditis. Physician’s Weekly.
Published March 24, 2025. Accessed March 31, 2025. https://www.physiciansweekly.com/patients-with-lupus-at-risk-for-recurrent-pericarditis/
Link: https://www.physiciansweekly.com/patients-with-lupus-at-risk-for-recurrent-pericarditis/
