Pain and pain problems among subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus in Iceland

This population study includes the majority of all systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Iceland (n = 65). The study lists various self-rated pain descriptions both from a 54-item pain questionnaire and from the somatisation section of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS). Results show SLE patients to have significantly more joint and chest pain than does another patient group; to use analgesics more frequently; to have been in hospital more often during the past 10 years and to believe they know the reason for their pain. Also listed are factors that patients have found to increase and decrease SLE pain.