Survival in systemic lupus erythematosus

The prevalence of SLE has increased throughout the world, due in part to the recognition of milder forms. Significant renal disease is now less common but late cardiovascular disease is being reported more often. The latter was previously attributed to steroid therapy, but we believe that the thrombotic tendency associated with antiphospholipid antibodies provides a significant contribution. Infection still ranks high in the mortality statistics in SLE, despite the move to more conservative treatment.