Frequency, pattern and determinants of flare in systemic lupus erythematosus: A study from North East India

AbstractBackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with varied manifestations and characterized by remission and flares of disease activity.Aim of the workThe present study was undertaken to analyze the frequency, pattern and determinants of disease flare in patients with SLE.Patients and methodsFifty-three SLE patients were prospectively enrolled. Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) and numbers of lupus flare and their determinants were evaluated monthly during the study period (6months).ResultsThe 53 patients were 51 females and 2 males (F:M 25:1). The age of the patients ranged from 12 to 47years (25.62±7.57years) with a mean disease duration of 3.13±2.12years. 71.69% patients suffered from at least one episode of flare in the six month period. It was observed that 60% of flares occurred in patients with an initial disease activity score of >10. A significant correlation was present between the initial SLEDAI score and the number of flares (p