Paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: A single referral centre experience

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with significant morbidity.
• Understanding prognostic factors is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate clinical and laboratory findings, management, and follow-up of children diagnosed with pSLE.
• To identify potential prognostic factors influencing the disease course in paediatric lupus patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 32 children diagnosed with pSLE.
• Evaluation of demographic data, presenting symptoms, laboratory results, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• The study included 32 children (78.1% female) with a mean age at diagnosis of 154.3 months.
• Joint problems (78.1%) and hematological alterations (78.1%) were common. Lupus nephritis occurred in 31.2% of patients.
• All patients tested positive for antinuclear antibodies, and 96.8% for anti-dsDNA. Low complement levels were observed in 71.8%.

Conclusions:

• Paediatric SLE presents with a wide range of clinical and laboratory manifestations.
• Early identification of prognostic factors is essential for tailoring treatment and improving long-term prognosis in children with pSLE.