Comparison of Mean Values of BILAG Index in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Patients with and without Metabolic Syndrome

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves many people for long time. SLE affects several organs such as skin, kidney and joints. A substantial number of SLE patients, also suffer from hypertension and are susceptible for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The aim of present study is to compare SLE activity in SLE patients with and without metabolic syndrome. One hundred patients enrolled the study. 51 had metabolic syndrome while 49 did not. According to British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) Index, Lupus activity was calculated for these two groups and means of Lupus activity score were compared. Mean of lupus activity score was significantly more in metabolic syndrome group (2.14±1.73 vs. 5.90±3.37 P < 0.001). Patients were also compared for serum creatinin, history of corticosteroid therapy or Cyclophosphamide administration and elevated ESR levels. All of these parameters were significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome. We concluded that Lupus activity in patients afflicted by metabolic syndrome is more than patients without this syndrome. There are many probable reasons for this statement such as various types of SLE treatments, similar inflammatory nature of metabolic syndrome and SLE, further susceptibility of insulin resistance in lupus patients or complications of Lupus flare up.