CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS. HOSPITAL SANTO TOMAS. PANAMA, JANUARY 2008 - DECEMBER 2010.

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus is defined as an autoimmune multisystemic disease, characterized by a bewildering array of autoantibodies, particularly antinuclear antibodies. Usually has an acute or insidious onset, and is considered as a chronic disease with remission and relapse episodes. It is clinically characterized, mainly, by injuries of the skin, joints, kidneys and serous membranes, although it is known that can affect any organ of the body.

Objectives: To determine the most prevalent clinical features more prevalent in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Methodology: A retrospective case series study, in which 34 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients medical records were reviewed from January 2008 to December 2010.
Results: There is a female predominance in 96%(32) of the cases with an age range between 18 and 78 years and an average of 38 years. Arthralgia and weight loss are the most common manifestations showing 44% (15) and 62% (21) respectively. Only 59% of patients met the criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Antinuclear antibody is the most frequently altered test in 98% (33).
Conclusions: The most frequent clinical and medical condition of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is arthralgia, described in 44% of the patients; the most common clinical sign is weight loss (62%). In patients with those manifestations, there must be a high clinical suspicion for the disease.