AB0076 Warts in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. (1st June 2001) - Korkmaz, C
Abstract : Background: It is widely accepted that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased susceptibility to infections, and infections have also been considered to be important in triggering SLE. An increased frequency of bacterial and mycotic infections have been reported. SLE is also associated with few viral infections. Objectives: During their follow-up many patients with SLE were found to have viral warts. We therefore undertook this study to determine the prevalence of warts in patients with SLE. Methods: Definite SLE and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were diagnosed on the basis of criteria by the ACR. Study included 44 SLE patients (39 F, 5 M; age 36.4 years), 71 RA patients (59 F, 12 M; age 49 years). The prevalence of warts was also determined in healthy madical students and their neighbours. Results: Warts occured significantly (p < 0.012, p < 0.001) more often in patients with SLE than in the RA patients and healthy control patients respectively. Table shows the prevalence of warts in patients with SLE and control patients. Conclusion: The findings suggest that some deficiency in the immune mechanisms of patients with SLE predisposes them to develop warts.