Avascular necrosis less frequently found in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with the use of alternate day corticosteroid

Abstract

Background/aim: Avascular necrosis AVN is the death of bone due to compromise of blood flow. The etiology of AVN is multifactorial; corticosteroid usage is the second most significant factor after trauma, and systemic lupus erythematosus SLE is the most common underlying disease. The objective of this study was to assess the factors of AVN in SLE patients. Materials and methods: The study included 127 patients with SLE who fulfilled 1997 American College of Rheumatology ACR revised criteria. Demographic data, age at SLE diagnosis, disease duration, disease activity, body mass index, clinical findings, antiphospholipid syndrome, steroid usage, dose and duration, comorbid diseases, and smoking history were recorded. Results: AVN was found in 11 of 127 8.7% SLE patients. Hyperlipidemia P