Lungs Are Particularly Vulnerable in Patients with Systemic Rheumatic Disease

The cohort had an overall crude mortality rate of 21%. Factors associated with mortality included shock, SOFA score on Day 1 and direct admission. Comorbidities and specific SRD characteristics were not associated with survival. The investigators found that direct admission to the ICU was, however, associated with significantly reduced mortality, and the authors concluded their paper by suggesting that patients with SRD may have improved outcomes if they are admitted directly to the ICU.

Lara C. Pullen, PhD, is a medical writer based in the Chicago area.

References

1. Dumas G, Géri G, Montlahuc C, et al. Outcomes in critically ill patients with systemic rheumatic disease: A multicenter study. Chest. 21 May 2015. doi:10.1378/chest.14-3098