Lupus can occur in several forms, but systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) is the most serious type.
"This study gives yet another possible reason for SLE patients to
avoid all contact with tobacco and its products, that is, possibly
preventing greater disease activity and poorer outcome" according to
the report in The Journal of Rheumatology.
In the study, Dr. Najeeb O. Ghaussy and colleagues from the
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque
interviewed 111 lupus patients about their smoking habits.
Current smokers had a "disease activity index" that was almost 50
percent greater than former smokers and people who had never smoked.
This was true even after they controlled for other factors that
influence the severity of disease, such as alcohol consumption,
ethnicity, education level and income level, according to the
report.
Lupus occurs when a person's immune system mistakenly attacks the
body's own tissue. It is characterized by inflammation and damage to
tissue and organs throughout the body.
The condition can vary widely in severity, manifesting as skin
rash and arthritis or leading to damage to the kidneys, heart, lungs
and brain to varying degrees. There is no cure.
"It is not surprising that cigarettes might have an effect on the
disease activity of SLE, as there are multiple chemical factors that
affect cell growth or viability in cigarette smoke, including carbon
monoxide, cyanide, hydrazine, hydroquinone, and others," Ghaussy and
colleagues conclude.
SOURCE: The Journal of Rheumatology 2003;30:1215-1221.
