Influence of Secondary Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome on Patient’s Quality of Life with Systemie Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with involvement of many tissues and organs that develops due to the presence of specific antibodies in the serum. The disease is characterized by a variable course and periods of exacerbations and remissions. SLE negatively affects the quality of life and shortens life expectancy of affected patients. SLE is often accompanied by secondary antiphospholipid (APS) and Sjögren's (SS) syndrome. APS involves arterial and venous thrombosis leading to multiorgan failure. SS, which involves exocrine glands, causes inflammation which manifestes itself by an impaired production of tears and saliva with a significant impact on life quality.Quality of life according the WHO definition involves all aspects of human life. In medical sciences the quality of life depends on the health status. There are many questionnaires available regarding the QOL. Some authors conducted a decrease in QOL in patients with SLE, SS and APL.