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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Lifestyle modifications

NUTRITION

  • Heart healthy diet: As cardiovascular disease is a complication to SLE a heart healthy dietary pattern is recommended (1)

  • Vitamin D: SLE is associated with reduced vitamin D levels. Supplementation has shown to reduce disease activity, fatigue, and improve inflammatory markers as well as endothelial function (1)

  • Omega 3: Some evidence shows that Omega 3 fatty acids may reduce disease activity (1)

  • Salt restriction: In patients with hypertension or renal disease (1,2)


PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

  • Regular exercise of 30 min or more 5 days a week is recommended (1)


SMOKING

  • Smoking is associated with more disease activity (1,2)

  • Smoking may reduce the effects of certain SLE medications including hydroxychloroquine (1,2)

  • Smoking cessation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, a complication of SLE (1)


SUNLIGHT

  • Patients with SLE should avoid excess exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen (1)

References

Resources

Evidence Pyramid

EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION

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Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD

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Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE

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Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in plain font

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Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE

Figure: Evidence pyramid

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