الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract A discordance between clinical and serologic features have been described in some cases of systemic lupus erythematosus. These patients are asymptomatic or have minor symptoms like headache, myalgia and bodyache. They have also a persistently elevated anti-ds-DNA, ANF and low serum complement levels. The significance of abnormal serologic tests in the absence of active clinical disease is still unclear. The present study was concerned with assessment of the possible predictors for clinical flare (activity) in patients with serologically active clinically quiescent SLE (SACQ) and also assessment of the outcome of treatment of such patients during the SACQ period. Sixty patients, from the Lupus Clinic of Rheumatology Department of Maadi Armed Forces Hospital, have been included in this study. All patients were in the SACQ period and were selected to have no end organ damage and were classified into two groups: group I in which patients did not receive the recommended maintenance treatment for lupus and group II in which patients received such treatment. The following was done :- I- At the beginning of the study:- 1- Full history and clinical examination. 2- Assessment of organ damage by SLICC/ACR damage Index. 3- Assessment of clinical activity by SLEDAI score. 4- Full serological profile for SLE. 5- CBC, ESR, Liver and Kidney functions. 6- Chest X-ray and an X-ray film on a flat bone |