SLE ( Systemic Lupus Erythematosus )

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ( SLE ) is the most common form of lupus. Widespread inflammation and tissue damage of joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels occur due to the immune system attacking its own healthy tissues. Below are COVID news and research updates that specifically relate to SLE.

The Genetic Connection between COVID-19 and Lupus

Studies on COVID-19 reveal that genetic differences between people impact the severity of the disease. Those genetic differences affect the immune response pathways, including those that play a part in autoimmune diseases. That prompted scientists to compare the genetics of severe COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).

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Risk of Developing Autoimmune Disease Following COVID-19 Infection

A recent study exploring the association between COVID-19 infection and the risk of developing autoimmune diseases was conducted by a team of researchers from various institutions in Taiwan using data from the “TriNetX database, which holds the largest global COVID-19 dataset.” The team analyzed the medical record data of 3.8 million patients in the U.S., of which 888,460 had received a COVID-19 diagnosis (polymerase chain reaction–confirmed) between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021.

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COVID-19 Risk Factors & Mortality in SLE Patients

“Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is uniquely poised at crossroads between the dysregulated immune system and the risk of viral infections, especially in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.” Researchers in India studied the impact of common SLE immunosuppressive drugs in SLE patents with COVID-19, as well as risk factors associated with COVID-19 in this patient population.

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