Lack of correlation among the 3 outcomes describing SLE: disease activity, damage and quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the this study was to correlate three outcome measures in patients with SLE, namely disease activity, damage, and quality of life.


METHODS
One hundred and five SLE patients completed the Medical Outcome Survey (MOS) SF-20 during their regular clinic visit. Disease activity (SLEDAI) and damage (SLICC/ACR Damage Index) were assessed according to a standard protocol. Statistical analyses included the Pearson correlation coefficients, a logistic regression, and a linear regression analysis.


RESULTS
There was no correlation between the SLEDAI and SLICC/ACR DI. There was no correlation between the SLICC/ACR DI and any of the MOS domains by Pearson correlation. Although a statistical correlation was demonstrated between the SLEDAI score and the social functioning and health perception domains of the MOS SF-20, there were not clinically important.


CONCLUSIONS
Thus, the three outcomes of disease activity, accumulated damage, and health status remain important independent outcome measures in the assessment of prognosis in patients with SLE.
Gladman
D D
DD
University of Toronto Lupus Clinic, Toronto Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
Urowitz
M B
MB
Ong
A
A
Gough
J
J
MacKinnon
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome