Childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical and Immunologic Patterns in Mexican Children

This study analyzed 89 Mexican children with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE), including 23 males and 66 females, to compare clinical and immunologic patterns by gender. Males exhibited higher prevalence of serositis, positive anti-DNA antibodies (88.9% vs. 42.9%), and renal involvement, including granular casts, proteinuria, and lower glomerular filtration rates. Females showed more hair loss. Males had higher average hemoglobin levels (11.47 g/dL vs. 9.84 g/dL) and more frequent use of hydroxychloroquine, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate. The study suggests that gender-specific analysis could improve treatment strategies for cSLE.