Cardiovascular profile of systemic lupus erythematosus patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Spain: Analysis of the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry

Abstract

Background

Despite advancements in understanding the interplay between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cardiovascular disease and COVID-19, challenges and knowledge gaps persist. This study aimed to characterize the cardiovascular profiles of SLE patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and to evaluate the influence of SLE on the development of cardiovascular complications.

Methods

This was a multicentre, nationwide observational study in which data were sourced from the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, involving 150 Spanish hospitals. SLE patients were matched with non-SLE patients based on sex, age, and hospitalization date.

Results

Of the 20,970 patients included in the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry, 38 were previously diagnosed with SLE. The non-SLE group was composed of 103 patients. The mean age of the SLE patients was 63 years, with 81.6% females and 21.1% non-European patients. SLE patients exhibited a significantly higher frequency of chronic kidney disease (14.4% vs 2.9%; p = 0.004), stroke (23.7% vs 2.9%; p < 0.001), and increased use of cardiovascular medications. SLE demonstrated an independent association with the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR: 3.934; 95% CI: 1.247–12.432).

Conclusions

SLE patients hospitalized for COVID-19 are at high risk of having an unfavorable baseline cardiovascular profile and are more prone to MACEs and adverse noncardiovascular outcomes during hospitalization.