SLICC-FI predictive of future hospitalizations in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Key Takeaways
This study found that the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) frailty index (FI) was predictive of future hospitalizations among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
This study further supports the use of SLICC-FI as a health measure in SLE patients.
The SLICC-FI has been developed as a tool to predict outcomes in SLE patients. It combines disease activity, organ damage, co-morbidities, and functional status.
Why This Study Matters
While the SLICC-FI is a predictor of mortality and organ damage accrual in patients with SLE, its association with hospitalization has not been evaluated. This study sought to determine the association with baseline SLICC-FI values with future hospitalization in SLE patients.
Study Design
The study included 1549 patients with SLE. Investigators calculated baseline SLICC-FI scores for each patient. During an average follow-up period of 7.2 ± 3.7 years, the number and duration of inpatient hospitalizations were recorded. Investigators used a negative binomial regression to estimate the link between baseline SLICC-FI values and the rate of hospitalizations per patient-year of follow-up.
Results and Conclusions
The majority of participants enrolled in the study were female (88.7%) with an average age of 35.7 ± 13.3 years. The average baseline SLICC-FI was 0.17 ± 0.08. During the follow-up period, 614 patients (39.6%) experienced 1,570 hospitalizations. Higher SLICC-FI values were associated with more frequent hospitalizations. In patients with at least 1 hospitalization, higher baseline SLICC-FI values were predictive of more hospitalization time.
Related Research
Consider these findings from similar research studies:
The SLICC-FI is predictive or organ damage accrual and mortality risk in patients with established SLE (Source).
In women with established SLE, higher baseline SLICC-FI scores were linked with a higher risk of damage accrual at 5-year follow-up (Source).
Original Source
Legge A, Kirkland S, Rockwood K, et al. Prediction of hospitalizations in systemic lupus erythematosus using the systemic lupus international collaborating clinics frailty index. Arthritis Care & Research. Published online February 17, 2022:acr.24504.