Risk Factors Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Oman
Author(s): Asma Al-Kindi, Batool Hassan, Aliaa Al-Moqbali, Aliya Alansari
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with genetic and environmental components. In Oman, it is associated with early age of onset and aggressive presentation. A preliminary case-control study was conducted to identify potential risk factors associated with SLE development. Sixty Omani cases and sixty age- gender- and origin- matched controls participated by filling a questionnaire on demographic information, age of disease onset, family history and exposure to potential environmental factors. Results indicated that 25% of the participated cases have first-degree relatives with the disease (p=1e-4). Sun exposure found to be significantly associated with the disease (p=5e-4) and home incense smoke was suggested as a potential risk factor (p=3e-2). However, a larger size study is required to validate the preliminary findings and investigate the disease associated exposure durations and intensities.