Systemic lupus erythematosus in Trinidadian children
Annals of tropical paediatrics
; 24(3): 241-244, Sept. 2004. tab
Article
in En
| MedCarib
| ID: med-17373
Responsible library:
TT5
Localization: TT5; W1, AN627U
ABSTRACT
Thirty-three children with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were studied. At diagnosis, 29 of them (88%) were aged between 10 and 17 years and the other four (12%) between 5 and 9 years. The majority were girls (28, 82%) and the malefemale ratio was 16.6. Children of East Indian and mixed racial origin formed the largest groups (37 and 39%, respectively) and mortality was higher in these two groups. The most common symptoms at diagnosis were fever for > 1 week (75.8%), musculoskeletal symptoms (arthralgia, arthritis and myalgia (69.7%) and renal involvement (63.6%). Malar and discoid rashes were common, 39 and 37%, respectively. Central nervous system involvement at presentation was a rare but important cause of mortality. The mortality rate during follow-up was high at 39.3% and the commonest cause of death was renal failure. Childhood SLE is uncommon in Trinidad and Tobago. Diagnosis is often delayed because of the protean and non-specific manifestations. This study reports a higher prevalence, a more severe course and greater mortality in children of East Indian and mixed descent than in children of African origin. It also shows that the symptomatology at first presentation is consistent with other studies and should be recognised early. Early diagnosis and prompt and appropriate management are essential in order to reduce the high mortality still associated with SLE.
Search on Google
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MedCarib
Main subject:
Trinidad and Tobago
/
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Type of study:
Risk_factors_studies
/
Screening_studies
Limits:
Child
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Caribe ingles
/
Trinidad y tobago
Language:
En
Journal:
Ann. trop. paediatr
/
Annals of tropical paediatrics
Year:
2004
Document type:
Article