Journal of clinical rheumatology : practical reports on rheumatic & musculoskeletal diseases
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Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Its prognosis and factors associated with mortality are not completely clear, although invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), use of cyclophosphamide, a high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and infections are associated with high mortality rates. We investigated clinical and immunologic characteristics and factors associated with mortality in a cohort of Latin American patients with SLE who developed DAH. ⋯ Hypoalbuminemia, longer duration of IMV or inotropic/vasoactive treatment, and a high SLEDAI are potential prognostic factors for mortality in patients with SLE and DAH admitted to the ICU.