To Örebro University

OBJECTIVE: To investigate mortality and functional impairment after stroke in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS: Using Swedish nationwide registers, we identified 423 individuals with SLE and 1652 people without SLE who developed a first-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (1998-2013) and followed them until all-cause death or for 1 year. HR for death after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and the risk ratio of functional impairment (dependence in either transferring, toileting, or dressing) 3 months after ischemic stroke were estimated.

RESULTS: One year after stroke, 22% of patients with SLE versus 16% of those without SLE died. After ischemic stroke, patients with SLE had an increased risk of death (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.39-2.45), which was attenuated after controlling for SLE-related comorbidities (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.04-1.91). Functional impairment at 3 months was increased in SLE by almost 2-fold (risk ratio 1.73, 95% CI 1.16-2.57). After hemorrhagic stroke, patients with SLE had an HR of 2.30 (95% CI 1.38-3.82) for death, which was increased even during the first month.

CONCLUSION: Compared to subjects without SLE, mortality after ischemic stroke increases after the first month in individuals with SLE, and functionality is worse at 3 months. SLE is associated with all-cause death after hemorrhagic stroke even during the first month. A shift of focus to patient functionality and prevention of hemorrhagic strokes is required.