SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS - REVIEW OF 110 CASES WITH REFERENCE TO NEPHRITIS, NERVOUS-SYSTEM, INFECTIONS, ASEPTIC NECROSIS AND PROGNOSIS

Abstract

Observations made on 110 patients with SLE [systemic lupus erythematosus] over a 4 1/2 yr period were reviewed. The patients were seen at intervals of 2 mo. when, both clinical and serological findings were recorded, according to a set protocol. The results were presented with particular reference to nephritis, neurological manifestations, infection, aseptic necrosis, mortality and predicted survival. Such studies have led to the identification of various prognostic factors in SLE, and assisted in providing better directed therapy. The results indicate a milder form of SLE in the patients of this series when compared with previously published studies, and is more representative of the wide spectrum of disease severity seen in the general population.