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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

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

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

Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in plain font

Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE

Figure: Evidence pyramid

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