Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease characterized by multisystem involvement. SLE can affect any organ or tissue, including the skin, joints, kidneys, central and peripheral nervous systems, lungs, and heart. Approximately 50% of patients with SLE may experience pulmonary involvement during the course of their disease. The most commonly reported manifestations in patients with SLE are pleurisy, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, shrinking lung syndrome, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Although estimates exist, the exact prevalence of pulmonary disease is unknown, and study findings have varied. In this context, our aim is to compare respiratory function, functional capacity, physical activity, and fatigue levels in patients with SLE with those in healthy controls. Our secondary aim is to investigate the relationship between respiratory function and functional capacity, physical activity level, and fatigue in patients with SLE.
Pulmonary function of the patients will be evaluated using pulmonary function tests. The level of physical activity of the participants will be assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Functional capacity will be evaluated with the 6-Minute Walk Test. Fatigue will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale. Statistical analyses of the data obtained from the study will be performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.
