FATIGUE IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS. PREVALENCE AND RELATION TO DISEASE EXPRESSION

Abstract

Significant fatigue was observed in 63/83 (76%) SLE patients. Patients with fatigue had significantly lower lymphocyte counts (1090 ± 60 vs 1675 ± 205 cells/mm³P = 0.003), and higher ratings for headache, nervousness and musculoskeletal symptoms and signs. These disease parameters also correlate significantly with the magnitude of fatigue. Fatigue correlated with disease activity index (r = 0.49 P<0.001).