RISK-FACTORS FOR OPERATIVE MORBIDITY IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS - AN ANALYSIS OF 63 SURGICAL-PROCEDURES

The surgical morbidity rate of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythemato sus is considered very high; however, the experience in the literature is small. This study will determine the rate of surgical morbidity an d the existence of predictive factors in patients with such a disease. The medical records of 53 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus who underwent 63 major operations were analyzed retrospectively. The r ate and causes of operative morbidity were registered. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed to ascertain the exist ence of predictive factors for morbidity. The overall morbidity and mo rtality were 16% and 6% respectively. Lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia, in creased SGOT and SGPT, urgent indication of operation, the physical st atus of the American Society of Anesthesiology, as well as a shorter d uration of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus showed a significant correlati on with operative morbidity in the univariate analysis; high blood ure a nitrogen showed marginal significance. Physical status, urgent indic ation, and blood urea nitrogen remained as significant variables with the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The surgical morbidity rate of these patients may be lower than previously estimated. The phy sical status, urgency of operation, and level of blood urea nitrogen s eemed to be the most useful independent predictors for surgical morbid ity risk in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.