Childhood-onset SLE a burden on academic achievement, employment in adult life

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) has been shown to have a considerable impact on academic achievements and employment despite patients adjusting their educational and vocational choices, reveals a study.

The authors conducted a single visit to patients, which consisted of a structured history and physical examination. They retrieved medical records to complement data obtained during the study visit, as well as evaluated education and employment status through questionnaires. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Overall, 106 patients with cSLE (93 percent female, 73 percent White, median disease duration 20 years) completed the visit and questionnaires. Analysis revealed that cSLE had a significant influence on patient education; however, the level of completed education was comparable to the general Dutch population.

Although half of the patients had adjusted their vocational choice due to the disease, 44 percent who had finished their education still did not have a paid job. In addition, 61 percent of those employed worked only part-time.

Disease damage was similarly prevalent in cSLE patients with and without paid employment, but more than half of them (51 percent) were declared work disabled due to disease damage. Patients without paid employment were often work disabled. Both had a negative impact on HRQOL.

“To optimize participation in the community, ongoing support is necessary, not only to help patients find suitable education and vocations but also to offer guidance regarding potential adjustments during their career,” the authors said.