Comparison of Comorbid Diseases Between Early-Onset and Late- Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; A Single Center Retrospective Experience

Abstract

Aim: To examine the comorbidity profile of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to evaluate differences in comorbidity burden between late-onset and early-onset SLE patients. Material and Method: We retrospectively analyzed SLE patients who presented to the tertiary rheumatology clinic between February 2024 and February 2025. Patients were categorized by age at diagnosis into three groups: childhood-onset (<18 years), adult-onset (18–49 years), and late-onset (≥50 years). Comorbidities were systematically documented and compared across groups. Results: 284 SLE patients were included, with a mean age at diagnosis of 37.2 (±11.2) years; 83.8% were female. Arterial hypertension was the most common comorbidity (23.9%). Of the patients, 27 (7.1%) had childhood-onset SLE, 176 (61.9%) had adult-onset, and 81 (28.5%) had late-onset SLE. Arterial hypertension (46.9% vs. 15.9% and 7.4%, p₁=0.004, p₂=0.0021) and osteoporosis (22.2% vs. 4.5% and 3.7%, p₁=0.014, p₂=0.032) were more common in the late-onset SLE. The childhood SLE had higher rate of autoimmune thyroid diseases (22.2%), although differences between groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Comorbid conditions, such as arterial hypertension and osteoporosis are more prevalent in late-onset SLE patients. These comorbidities may complicate disease management and should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy to optimize outcomes in daily clinical practice.

Keywords

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• comorbidity
• late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
• arterial hypertension
• osteoporosis

Kaynakça

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