The effect of antiestrogen agents on risk of autoimmune disorders in patients with breast cancer.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between antiestrogen therapy in women with breast cancer and risk of autoimmune disease.

Methods: We used a national database to assess the incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) following treatment with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) or aromatase inhibitors (AI) in women with breast cancer. The total number of patients in our study was 190,620.

Cardiovascular disease risk awareness in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with patients' recognition of SLE as an independent risk factor for CVD and their perception of their personal CVD risk.

Methods: SLE patients were sent questionnaires that assessed demographic characteristics, any CVD risk factors, and information regarding the CVD counseling they had received from their physicians.