Abstract
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect multiple organs, presenting a diverse array of clinical symptoms. In recent years, Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has become increasingly accessible, supported by robust evidence. POCUS can be particularly beneficial for evaluating SLE patients improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing time-to-decision. Purpose: Systematically identify the assessment of SLE patients through the use of POCUS. Methods: The data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Google Scholar and ProQuest One Academic were used, English and Spanish language were included, no limits regarding publication date or age, and review articles were excluded. Articles screening and data extraction was performed by two authors independently. Disagreements were resolved through a third author. Organ or system evaluation using POCUS were collected. Results: A total of 52 articles met the inclusion criteria. Assessment using POCUS detected various acute and chronic complications arising from SLE, particularly articular and cardiac compromise. Synovitis and pericardial effusion were the most frequently reported complications. Most of the reports (92%) did not specify whether they evaluated other organs with POCUS. Limitation: Most of the studies were case reports. Conclusion: Multiorgan POCUS assessment in patients with SLE, especially those suspected of disease activity, holds the potential to offer improved evaluation of SLE complications and activity. Studies are needed to develop a standardized multiorgan assessment protocol for SLE using POCUS to improve diagnosis and treatment.
PROSPERO registry number: CRD42024529087. The search was done in April 2024
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