Systemic lupus erythematosus in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Twenty-six patients of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] were studied over a three year period. Mean age at presentation was 30 years and female to male ratio was 7.61. Fever was the most common presenting feature [88.4%], followed by arthritis [69.2%] and anaemia [54%]. Double-stranded DNA [DsDNA] titres were normal in one-third patients. Renal involvement was present in 39% patients. Six patients died [20.9%] during the three year period, predominant cause of death was infections