Does systemic lupus erythematosus increase the risk of complications from total hip arthroplasty?

Abstract Background Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are more likely to receive THA than the general population. However, it is controversial whether SLE increases the risk of complications from THA. The purpose of this retrospective study was to reassess the risks from THA in patients with SLE under the management model of enhanced recovery after surgery. Methods Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosed from December 2011 to December 2017 and treated with THA were compared with THA patients with osteoarthritis. The data were extracted from the medical record system of our department. The chi-square test and t-test were used for comparison. Results The postoperative blood loss in patients with SLE was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) in the control group were lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of blood transfusion (9.733 vs 8.133 P = 0.3148) or other complications between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Well-controlled and well-managed SLE will not increase the risk of complications in THA, but can increase the amount of perioperative blood loss. Therefore, perioperative blood management is still essential in SLE patients.