Impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on outcomes following aseptic and septic revision total knee arthroplasty: an analysis of the 2005–2018 nationwide inpatient sample

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can adversely affect surgical outcomes, and the impact on revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes is unclear. This study aimed to explore the impact of SLE on in-patient outcomes of revision TKA. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2005 to 2018 was searched for patients aged ≥ 18 years old who received revision TKA. Patients with and without SLE were propensity score matched (PSM) at a 1:4 ratio. Associations between SLE and in-hospital outcomes were examined using regression analyses. The study included 133,054 patients, with 794 having SLE. After 1:4 PSM, data of 3,970 patients were analyzed (SLE, 794; non-SLE, 3,176). Multivariate-adjusted analyses revealed that SLE patients had a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.44, p = 0.011), non-routine discharge (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.02–1.46, p = 0.028), major blood loss (aOR = 1.19), respiratory failure/mechanical ventilation (aOR = 1.79), acute kidney injury (AKI) (aOR = 1.47), and wound dehiscence (aOR = 2.09). SLE patients also had a longer length of hospital stay (aBeta = 0.31) and greater total hospital costs (aBeta = 6.35) compared to non-SLE patients. Among those with aseptic failure, SLE patients had a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications (aOR = 1.23) and non-routine discharge (aOR = 1.36). SLE is independently associated with worse in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing revision TKA. This study highlights the importance of heightened vigilance and tailored perioperative management for patients undergoing major surgeries in the background of SLE.