Systemic lupus erythematosus at Karachi and Larkana: a comparative study of 94 patients

ABSTRACT

Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], a multisystem disease thought to be an uncommon disease in our country was studied to see and compare its presentation and clinical features at Karachi and Larkana. Design: A cross-sectional and observational study. Place and Duration of Study It was conducted at Karachi and Larkana during the period from January, 1991 to August, 1993 and March, 1997 to June, 2000 respectively. Subjects and All patients confirming the diagnostic criteria of American Rheumatism Association were included in the study. Clinical and physical examination details were recorded and laboratory investigations like complete blood count, urine detailed report, serum urea, liver bio-chemistry, immurological tests ANA, ASMA, AMA and Anti ds-DNA were carried out. Muscle, liver and skin biopsies, muscle enzymes and electromyography were done in selected cases only where indicated. Among 94 patients, evaluated during the study period, 55 included 10 [18.18%] males and 45 [81.81%] females who were diagnosed at Karachi center while 39 patients 6 [15.38%] males and 33 [84.62%] females at Larkana center. Fever was the most common symptom at the time of presentation in Karachi [80.0%] while arthralgia and arthritis [82.05%] were most common symptoms presented at Larkana [p < 0.05]. The most common complication reported at Karachi was proteinuria [90.91%] while at Larkana it was anemia [84.62%]. Conclusions: The presentation and clinical features of SLE at Karachi and Larkana were nearly similar