title: Systemic lupus erythematosus in children.
abstract: A retrospective study was made of 137 children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) seen at the Veterans General Hospital in the past 12 years. There were 116 females (84.7%), and 21 males (15.3%). The peak ages of onset were 13-14 years and 16-17 years. Malar rash, arthritis and fever were the most common presentations, as in previous studies. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement occurred in 24 cases (17.5%), and renal disorder was noted in 77 cases (56.2%). Renal biopsy in 67 cases showed a pathological transformation rate of 16.1% (5/31). Ten patients died during the study period, with renal insufficiency the primary cause of death.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology