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Changes in the clinical and laboratory features of lupus patients after the big earthquake in Taiwan

Division of Allergy-Immunology-Rheumatology,Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China; no. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Shih-Pai, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, Republic of Chinactchou{at}vghtpe.gov.tw

C M Hwang

Division of Allergy-Immunology-Rheumatology, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China

In order to understand the impact of the massive earthquake on disease activity, 60 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) living in the earthquake area (group 1) and 31 patients living away from the area (group 2) were enrolled in this study. A questionnaire was used to record demographic data and clinical manifestations before and 6 months after the earthquake. Laboratory tests, including serum C3, C4, creatinine, anti-DNA antibody, CBC and 24 h urine protein were taken. The results showed that nine patients in group 1 had obvious disease flare-up as evidenced by fever, arthralgia, malar rash and photosensitivity, increased protein loss or edema, and other symptoms. However, there were no significant changes in either group 1 or 2 patients. In contrast, the comparison of laboratory parameters in group 1 patients before and after the earthquake showed a significant decrease of C4 from 17.3 15.3 to 14.1 7.33 and a significant increase of creatinine from 1.20 1.54 to 1.27 1.70 (P < 0.05), respectively. No significant difference for either C4 or creatinine was found in group 2 patients. In conclusion, there was no striking change in the clinical aspects for lupus patients. However, some laboratory results became abnormal in group 1 patients after the earthquake, indicating that their lupus status may have worsened.

Key Words: systemic lupus erythematosus • earthquake • stress • clinical features • immune response

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