Systemic lupus erythematosus in Singapore

The major initial clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematousus (SLE) were skin and mucous membrane involvement (52%), fever and malaise (48%), arthritis and arthralgias (44%). Lupus nephritis was diagnosed in 74% of patients and diffuse proliferative nephritis was the commonest histologic picture encountered. Except for a higher prevalence of anti-SS-A (Ro) (63%), other autoantibodies were within the normal range reported from Western countries. There was no significant association between HLA-A, B or DR specificities in 51 Chinese patients, nor was there any differences seen in the polymorphism of tumour necrosis factor alpha gene (TNF-alpha). Arthritis was less commonly seen in males with SLE. Prevalences of leukopenia and antibodies to anti-SS-A (Ro) and anti-La (SS-B) antigens were lower in men. Late onset lupus patients (> 50 years of age) tended to have more insidious onset of disease, lower female predominance and less frequent complaints of fever, alopecia, arthritis and malar rash at presentation. The causes of death were often treatment related. Survival studies among 183 SLE patients during the period from 1970 to 1980 revealed a 5- and 10-year survival rate of 70% and 60%, respectively. Infections and active lupus disease were 2 major causes of death. Research into SLE is targeted at increasing our understanding of the disease process and improving outcome and prognosis.