Clinical pattern of systemic lupus erythematosus in Western Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the clinical laboratory, treatment and course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS: A total of 65 patients with positive double strand antibodies were collected at the Immunology Laboratory of King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over a 2 year period between January 2000 and December 2001. The data included personal data, clinical manifestations, laboratory, results, and different modalities of treatment and outcome of treatment. Group results were presented as median +/- standard deviation or as a percentage.

RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with SLE were included in the study. The female to male ratio was 5.5:1. Median age of 23+/-11.33 years. Seventy percent had a multiple system involvement, 60% presented with arthralgia or arthritis and 55.4% had lupus nephrites, proved by kidney biopsy in 22 patients. Most were treated by intermittent cycolphoamide and steroids with an excellent outcome. Laboratory results and modalities of treatment were similar to previous results. Male SLE is more common in our study group with serious organ damage. Our mortality rate was 3% only.

CONCLUSION: Systemic lupus erythematosus presentation is similar to pervious studies and it is more common in male. Lupus nephritis is a common prevention with excellent outcome.