Clinical and immunological manifestations in 134 Puerto Rican patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
To gain a better understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Puerto Ricans we studied the clinical and serologic manifestations in a cohort of 134 patients. The female to male ratio was 18:1. Mean age at diagnosis was 32 +/- 12 y. The mean duration of disease and follow-up were 7.4 +/- 6.0 and 5.8 +/- 6.0 years respectively. Mortality was 3%. Photosensitivity (76.9%) and malar rash (71.9%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Arthritis was observed in 67.5% of patients. Anemia was seen in 67.2% of patients, but only 12.7% had autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Leukopenia (41.8%) and lymphopenia (64.9%) were also common. Serositis was observed in only 28%. Severe kidney damage such as nephrotic syndrome (14.2%) or renal failure (4%) was infrequent. Cardiovascular (12.7%) and neurologic (9.0%) manifestations were also uncommon. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were detected in 93.3%, anti-dsDNA antibodies in 54.5%, anti-Ro antibodies in 30.1% and anti-La antibodies in 14.2%. Low C3 and low C4 were observed in 38.3% and 35.7% respectively. This study suggests that Puerto Ricans with SLE present a mild form of disease predominantly manifested by cutaneous, musculoskeletal and hematologic involvement, but low prevalence of major organ damage and low mortality.
Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, Puerto Rico 00960-6032.
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LM
Vilá
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Mayor
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AH
Valentín
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García-Soberal
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S
Vilá
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000208:ethnology / Q000276:immunology; D017153:Antibodies, Anticardiolipin / Q000097:blood; D001168:Arthritis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000276:immunology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004247:DNA / Q000276:immunology; D005076:Exanthema / Q000208:ethnology / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000276:immunology; D011647:Puerto Rico / Q000453:epidemiology; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D017153:Antibodies, Anticardiolipin; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D004247:DNA