Incidence and risk of arterial and venous thrombotic events in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients: a population-based study

Abstract Objectives Current data on arterial and venous thrombotic events (ATE 0.0001) as well as an increased risk of ATE (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.20–2.26), VTE (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.35–3.74), and all-cause death (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.52–2.15). After SLE diagnoses, hydroxychloroquine and glucocorticoids were prescribed for at least 60% of patients. Additionally, a higher exposure to cardiovascular medications was also seen in SLE patients. Conclusion Our findings confirmed higher risks of ATE, VTE and all-cause death in SLE patients. While increased CV medications use after SLE diagnoses suggests heightened awareness to CV risk profile, more attention is required to balance SLE disease activity with minimizing exposure to drugs associated with exacerbating CV risk.