Reduced Aerobic Capacity and Quality of Life in Physically Inactive Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Mild or Inactive Disease

Author(s)

Pinto, Ana J. ; Miyake, Cintia N. H. ; Benatti, Fabiana B. ; Silva, Clovis A. ; Sallum, Adriana M. E. ; Borba, Eduardo ; de Sa-Pinto, Ana L. ; Bonfa, Eloisa ; Gualano, Bruno

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ARTHRITIS CARE & RESEARCH; v. 68, n. 12, p. 1780-1786, DEC 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 12

Abstract

Objective. To compare aerobic capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in physically inactive adult systemic lupus erythematosus (A-SLE) and childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (C-SLE) patients with mild/inactive disease versus healthy controls. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, 39 patients (C-SLE: n=18, ages 9-18 years; and A-SLE: n=21, ages 23-45 years) with inactive disease activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index <= 4) and low cumulative damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index <= 2) and 30 healthy controls (15 children and adolescents {[}C-CTRL], 15 adults {[}A-CTRL]) matched by physical inactivity, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed for aerobic capacity and HRQOL. Results. All participants were considered physically inactive according to physical activity guidelines. C-SLE and A-SLE patients showed lower V-O2peak (95% CI confidence interval {[}95% CI] -10.5, -1.2 and -11.1, -3.8, respectively) and higher time-to-exhaustion when compared with C-CTRL and A-CTRL (95% CI -2.8, 0.1 and -3.9, -1.7, respectively). C-SLE patients showed significantly lower scores in scholar functioning from the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory questionnaire (P<0.05) whereas A-SLE patients showed lower scores in most domains of the Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire (physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, and mental health) when compared with healthy controls (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion. Our study provides novel data suggesting that A-SLE and C-SLE patients with mild/inactive disease have impaired aerobic capacity and HRQOL when compared with controls matched by physical inactivity, age, sex, and BMI. These findings reinforce the recommendation of physical activity in SLE treatment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/24093-2 - The effects of endurance exercise on the inflammatory profile and insulin sensitivity in women with systemic lupus erithematosus
• Grantee: Eloisa Silva Dutra de Oliveira Bonfá
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/13126-2 - Assessment of the physical activity level in patients with juvenile Dermatomyositis and juvenile systemic Lupus erythematosus
• Grantee: Ana Jéssica Pinto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 10/18708-1 - Efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation in patients with juvenile onset dermatomyositis and juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus
• Grantee: Bruno Gualano
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants