Inverse correlation of each functional status scale of the SF-36 with degree of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (m-SLAM).
OBJECTIVE
To compare systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity measured by a modified Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (m-SLAM) with functional/health status measured by the SF-36 questionnaire.


METHODS
m-SLAM and SF-36 scores were obtained on 71 SLE patients during 242 clinic visits over 15 months. Patients were stratified into disease activity groups (m-SLAM <2 = remission; 2-4 = mild; 4-6 = moderate; >6 = severe). Mean SF-36 group scores were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA).


RESULTS
Two hundred and nineteen m-SLAM and SF-36 scores were completed. The disease activity groups correlated inversely with the SF-36 scores in all eight subscales, i.e. the patients' perceived health, as assessed by the SF-36, correlated with their disease activity level as measured by the m-SLAM. Inverse correlation of SLAM activity groups with all eight SF-36 subscales was highly statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The significant inverse correlation of the m-SLAM with all domains of the SF-36 in this study provides potentially useful information for evaluating patients with SLE.
Saba
Jihan
J
Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA.
Quinet
Robert J
RJ
Davis
William E
WE
Krousel-Wood
Marie
M
Chambers
Richard
R
Gomez
Natalie
N
Serebro
Leonard
L
Nair
Priya
P
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index