Risk factors for cytomegalovirus disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic pathogen causing reactivation and disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. This study aims to systematically review the literature for risk factors associated with CMV disease in SLE patients, in order to identify those more susceptible to CMV infection during their treatment. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted on 4 different search engines and via hand search until May 2017. Studies were included after quality assessment via the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields (HTA KMET). RESULTS: Two studies on CMV disease were included. Elevated CMV viral load, higher steroid doses, use of immunosuppressants and disease duration were the most commonly associated risk factors for CMV disease. CONCLUSION: High CMV viral loads, longer SLE disease duration and higher steroid doses were associated with CMV disease. Further studies studying the risk of treatment drugs and role of interventions in the development of CMV infection are needed.