Clinical spectrum of systemic lupus erythematosus at the Aga Khan University Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease of unknown etiology, which at onest may involve only one organ system or be multisystemic. The aim of our study is to determine the clinical presentation of SLE patients presenting to AKUH to establish whether guidelines laid down about this disease are in agreement with our experience. METHODS: A retrospective log review was carried out at AKUH, based on data obtained from 165 files of individuals admitted to the hospital over a period of 12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of SLE. RESULTS: From the sample size of 165, 143 (86.7%) were females and 22 (13.3%) males. The mean age of diagnosis was 30.9 years. Frequency of symptomatology was observed to be in the following order: systemic 78.8%, musculoskeletal 63% and hematological 60.6%. Oninvestigation ANA levels were positive in 112 patients. CONCLUSION: Our result lead us to conclude that the classification set forth by the American Rheumatological Association is applicable to patients presenting with SLE in our setting