The Auditorium of the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) hosted the World Lupus Day Conference on 11 May, an outreach event that brought together research professionals, clinicians and patients to discuss different aspects of the disease as part of World Lupus Day. Organised by the Lupus Unit of the Rheumatology research group at VHIR, the conference has become an annual meeting point for sharing scientific advances and giving a voice to people living with the disease.

The cardiovascular system: one of the major risks associated with lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus affects around 75,000 people in Spain, more than 90% of whom are women. It is an autoimmune disease that can damage multiple parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, blood vessels and brain. In this context, the first session of the conference focused on the cardiovascular risk associated with lupus.

Dr. Sebastián Sandoval, consultant in the Rheumatology Department at Granollers Hospital, who completed his doctoral thesis at VHIR, explained how lupus can affect the cardiovascular system. He highlighted the higher incidence of heart disorders in people with lupus, linked, among other factors, to the chronic inflammation caused by the disease and the prolonged use of high doses of corticosteroids, which accelerate atherosclerosis. “Good control of cardiovascular risk factors in people with lupus is essential, including controlling inflammation, avoiding smoking, engaging in regular physical activity and providing personalised treatment based on each patient’s characteristics,” said Dr. Sandoval.

Towards the identification of early biomarkers: key factors in lupus progression

Research then took centre stage. Pere Nubiola, predoctoral researcher in the VHIR Rheumatology Research Group, presented his thesis project focused on lupus risk factors and disease progression. Specifically, the team is studying the epigenetic mechanisms associated with the disease. “We are working to identify biological markers that make it possible to detect early the risk of developing lupus or its progression”, said Nubiola.

During the session, speakers highlighted that although lupus has a genetic basis and external factors that may act as triggers, not all the mechanisms involved have yet been fully identified.

The research actively involves patients and focuses on the need to better understand the genetic factors associated with lupus, one of the main concerns among families. The project is funded by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) through the Strategic Action in Health (AES).

The relationship between nutrition and lupus fog

Finally, the third session focused on chronic fatigue and so-called “lupus fog”, a cognitive impairment that affects concentration and mental performance in people living with the disease. The presentation was given by Susana Sánchez Torres, nutritionist at the University of Vic and lupus patient, who discussed the role of nutrition in helping manage symptoms. “For many people with lupus, lupus fog is one of the most invisible yet most difficult parts of the disease. Nutrition can be a complementary tool to help support people through these moments”, explained Sánchez.

The conference concluded with a round table discussion open to the public, in which the speakers shared reflections and answered questions, fostering dialogue between professionals and attendees.