Pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence, predictors and diagnostic strategy.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to validate a diagnostic strategy.

Methods: 245 patients with SLE entered a screening program. Possible PH was defined as two consecutive systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) values ≥ 40mmHg by echocardiography.

Transiently positive anticardiolipin antibodies and risk of thrombosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Fluctuations in the titers of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) have been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, but their relation with thrombosis is not completely understood. Prospective inception cohort of 237 patients with SLE (American College of Rheumatology criteria). Positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) was defined according to Sapporo criteria.