Factors Influencing Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects any organs and systems and is characterized by a wide range of various clinical manifestations. According to the treat-to-target strategy for SLE, in addition to monitoring disease activity and irreversible organ damage, it is necessary to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL), which enables one to obtain a complete and objective description of the patient. All the factors and problems that may worsen HRQOL should be also taken into account. Fatigue, pain, and depression are identified as the major symptoms that largely affect HRQOL. The impact of cognitive impairment associated with the disease is also considered. Impaired body image, i.e. the perception of his own appearance by a patient himself, is an important problem in patients with SLE. The unpredictable course of the disease and the impaired physical functioning of patients make it difficult to perform everyday activities, as well as disturb socialization; the patients often experience of being dependent on others. Due to SLE, the patients are often limited in their choice of profession or forced to quit/change their jobs, which leads to financial losses and feelings of social isolation. The review also considers gender, age, and education as factors influencing HRQOL in patients with SLE.