ABSTRACT
Objective: We describe in this first series of lupus documented in Niger, the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic aspects
Method: This is a prospective study in internal medicine at the National Hospital of Niamey during 10 years. ACR criteria were used as diagnostic criteria
Results: We identified only 9 cases with a frequency of 0.05% [7 women, 2 men] with a mean age of 36.7 years [range, [26, 48]]. Frequent manifestations were prolonged fever [8 cases], malar rash [6 cases], arthritis [6 cases], alopecia [5 cases], discoid lupus [3 cases], haematological disorders [7 cases], serositis [4 cases] and renal failure [4 cases]. All patients had at least 4 ACR criteria with an average of 6.11 criteria. ANA were positive in 8 patients with an average of 1/568, 68 [extremes [1/1280-1/160]]. The most commonly molecules used were Prednisone, Azathioprine and Hydroxychloroquine. The Mycofénolate Mofétil, Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab were used in a single patient. The outcome was favorable in 8 patients and we deplore the death of one patient
Conclusion: Under diagnosis would be the basis of the low prevalence of lupus in Niger. Diagnostic means are necessary for epidemiological studies in order to have more representative data