Author :
V Shiney John, N Rathnapriya, S Vasanthi
Volume :
6
Issue :
4
Abstract :
Introduction: Systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients are inherently at risk for infections. Steroids
and other immunosuppressants used for treating SLE patients further increase the chances of infections.
This study was done to find the association of immunosuppressants with the risk of development of
infections in patients with SLE.
Materials and Methods: Appropriate samples were collected from 110 SLE patients with various
infections and processed in Microbiology laboratory. Treatment history was also collected from the patients
and analysis was done on infections in these patients.
Results: Daily prednisolone dosage 20 mg was associated with increased risk of infection with p value
of < 0>
p value
Conclusion: Since there is strong association between higher dose of steroids and Cyclophosphamide
therapy with risk of infections in SLE patients, judicious use of these drugs is recommended.