Clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus in Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia

Aim of the work

The aim of the study is to explore the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.

Patients and methods

The clinical data, laboratory investigations, medications received and co-morbidities from SLE patients in Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia were recorded.

Results

The 96 SLE patients were 87 (90.63 %) Saudi. 83 (86.5 %) were females and 13 (13.5 %) males (F:M 6.3:1). The mean age of the patients was 37.4 ± 11.9 years; at time of diagnosis was 32.3 ± 11.1 years, disease duration 5.1 ± 5.8 years. 9.3 % were hypertensive. The most common clinical manifestations were musculoskeletal (79 %) and constitutional (77 %) followed by mucocutaneous (42 %). Lupus nephritis was diagnosed in 25 % of patients and was confirmed by renal biopsy in 13.5 %. 4.2 % had thromboembolic disorders. Co-morbidities were present in 25 % and pregnancy complications were reported in 18 % of the females. Anemia was present in 63.5 %, leukopenia in 20 % and thrombocytopenia in 15 %. All patients tested positive for antinuclear antibodies, 80 % positive for anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and 42.7 % anti-Smith. Antiphospholipid antibodies were detected in 46 % of patients and rheumatoid factor in 15.6 %. 93.8 % of patients received hydroxychloroquine, 76 % received steroids, 29.2 % mycophenolate mofetil, 4 patients received rituximab and 3 belimumab.

Conclusion

The most common clinical disease profile in SLE patients from AlQassim was musculoskeletal and constitutional symptoms. 25 % of the patients had LN and 25 % had co-morbidities. Anemia is a common laboratory finding, and hydroxychloroquine is the most common treatment.