People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can have several types of cardiac problems. Pericardial effusion (PCE) is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity. The fluid accumulation can lead to increased pressure on the heart, negatively impacting heart function. PCE is common in admission in children with SLE. A study investigated PCE outcomes in a group of children with SLE and found that there are disproportionately more black children affected by PCE than non-black. Additionally, children with PCE exhibited higher mortality rates and were more likely to be readmitted. Learn about how lupus affects the heart and circulation, and about The Lupus Foundation of America’s research on childhood lupus.

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