A study of ocular manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease with multisystem manifestation. The underlying abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus is due to the production of a number of pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complexes and to an inability to suppress and clear them. The disease can present in a wide variety of forms, degrees, and manifestation, ranging from relatively mild cutaneous and joint involvement to lethal cardiac, renal and cerebral involvement. Systemic lupus erythematosus commonly presents in young and middle aged woman who comprise upto 90% of all systemic lupus erythematosus sufferers. Systemic lupus erythematosus is three times more common in blacks than in other races and Asians display an increased incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus against Caucasians. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the spectrum and prevalence of ocular manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. To identify potentially sight threatening lesions in ocular systemic lupus erythematosus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out at Government Rajaji Hospital Madurai. A standardized ophthalmic examination on Madurai patients with systemic lupus erythematosus referred from the Dermatology Department and Rheumatology Department from Madurai were included in the study. The study was carried out prospectively and all ophthalmic examinations were carried out. SUMMARY: This clinical study was done at Department of ophthalmology Govt. Rajaji Hospital Madurai. A total of 33 patients were examined and out of which 31 (93.9%) were females and 2 (6.06%) were males. CONCLUSION: Eye is a highly sensitive Barometer for the onset and reactivation of autoimmune phenomenon. In this study the prevalence of ocular manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus was 63.63%. This stresses the importance of ocular manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus. Sight threatening complication can occur in systemic lupus erythematosus which if intervened at appropriate time will prevent serious visual loss. Patients with retinopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus had higher serum creatinine levels than patients without retinopathy. Hence from these observations, ocular manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus had led us to the belief that ocular inflammation should be added to the criteria for classification of systemic lupus erythematosus. Such inclusion may lead to better awareness of systemic lupus erythematosus ocular disease for the physician & may yield better outcome in diagnostic prognostic therapeutic ways for the patient