Disease characteristics in patients with juvenile- and adult-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: A multi-center comparative study

Objectives: This study aims to compare disease characteristics in patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and adult-onset Patients and methods: Between June 2010 and March 2020, a total of 186 patients with JSLE (23 males, 163 females; median age: 25 years; range, 20 to 30.3 years) and 236 patients with ASLE (23 males, 213 females; median age: 35 years; range, 29 to 40 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and laboratory data, treatment received, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/ACR Damage Index (SDI) scores, comorbidities and deaths were compared between the groups. Results: The JSLE patients showed statistically significant higher constitutional manifestations, cardiac manifestations, serositis, nephritis, mouth, dry eye, ocular manifestations, avascular necrosis, hematological manifestations, and hypocomplementemia (p<0.001, p=0.016, p=0.005, p=0.001, p=0.04, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002, p=0.043, p=0.004, p=0.03, p<0.001, p=0.01, p<0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). Median SLEDAI scores were statistically significant higher in the JSLE group, both at onset (p<0.001) and in the final follow-up visit (p<0.001). Median SLICC scores were also higher in the JSLE group (p<0.001). Mycophenolate mofetil and intravenous pulse steroids were more frequently used in the juvenile group (p<0.001 and p=0.03, respectively). Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and avascular necrosis were found to be statistically significantly higher in the JSLE group (p<0.001, p=0.006, and p=0.01, respectively). The mortality rate was statistically significantly higher in the Conclusion: The JSLE patients showed more serious manifestations, higher disease activity, higher damage index, and mortality rate compared to ASLE patients. These results suggest the need of a regular follow-up and close surveillance of JSLE patients.

Automated summary

This study compared disease characteristics between patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and adult-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (ASLE). The results showed that JSLE patients had more serious manifestations, higher disease activity, higher damage index, and higher mortality rate compared to ASLE patients. These findings suggest the need for regular follow-up and close surveillance of JSLE patients.