Clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus in Sri Lankan patients: results from a lupus clinic.
OBJECTIVE
To find the common clinical features, pattern of visceral involvement, treatment received and outcome in patients diagnosed as having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on American Rheumatological Association (ARA) criteria.


METHODS
Clinic for patients referred or admitted to the University Medical Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, with diagnosed or suspected SLE.


METHODS
A prospective descriptive study. Clinical features of patients collected at time of registration in the clinic were maintained in a database. Patients were followed up prospectively and changes recorded. Data were analysed after 3 years of follow up.


RESULTS
Of the 111 patients registered during this period, 96 (86%) were clinically diagnosed as having SLE. Of these, 77 patients (80%) satisfied ARA criteria for diagnosis of SLE. 72 were females (93%). The mean age of patients who satisfied the ARA criteria was 32 years (range 11 to 58), and the mean duration of disease 7 years (range 1 to 15). The commonest presentation was with mucocutaneous features (98%) and alopecia in 87%. Systemic features were found in 92% of patients. 67 (87%) of patients had visceral involvement with 60 (78%) having it at time of diagnosis. 53 (69%) had renal, 42 (54%) haematological, 33 (42%) neurological, 12 (16%) cardiac and 8 patients pulmonary involvement. Five patients died during the 3-year follow up and 2 developed chronic renal failure. Three patients underwent successful pregnancy after diagnosis of SLE.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study confirmed the wide variability of clinical features seen in SLE. Alopecia and visceral involvement were common in Sri Lankan patients.
Galapatthy
P
P
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
Wazeel
A N
AN
Nanayakkara
S
S
Sheriff
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015994:Incidence; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013188:Sri Lanka / Q000453:epidemiology; D015996:Survival Rate
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents