[Have lupus characteristics changed?]

The features of lupus have been changing for 30 years. The aim of this study was to determine the main modifications and to search for the possible causes. Lupus epidemiology, the clinical symptoms and the prognostic subsets were investigated. The rising incidence of lupus closely paralleled improvements in diagnostic techniques (LE cell testing, anti-nuclear antibodies) but has since remained stable. The prevalence progressively increased over this time, but this evolution is associated with better detection of benign subsets and improvement in the management of the disease and its complications. More sensitive serological methods have attributed new symptoms to lupus, revealing that some forms are benign. Survival has been improving and infection has become the primary cause of death. Opportunistic infections in lupus are increasing, however the majority of them remain undiagnosed until the autopsy.