New research has found additional factors that increases the risk of blood clots in some patients suffering from a certain chronic autoimmune disease.

The findings, published in this month’s Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, state older age at diagnosis and kidney inflammation can lead to an increase in blood clots in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, which is more commonly known as lupus, Reuters reports.

Blood clots in SLE patients have not been the focus of many studies and it appears there are no studies involving Asian-Americans, wrote Dr. Lindsey A. Criswell in the journal, according to the article. Because of this, the researchers examined a large and ethnically diverse study group for risk factors for blood clots.

Approximately 1,930 people participated in the study, which found smoking, kidney inflammation, longer disease duration, and the use of immune-altering drugs were all factors in an increased risk of blood clots. However, patients who were diagnosed with lupus at an early age were less likely to develop clots.

Some people who suffer from blood clots have turned to nutritional supplements to treat their condition.