Pattern of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Among Nigerians
February 2009
in “
Clinical Rheumatology
”
Studysummary This study observed that systemic lupus erythematosus may not be as uncommon among African Blacks as previously reported, highlighting the need for early aggressive treatment.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study examined the clinical presentations, laboratory, and serological characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) among Nigerians over a 6-year period at a rheumatology clinic in Lagos. SLE accounted for 5.28% of 1,250 rheumatology cases, with 95.5% of the 66 patients being female, aged 17-55 years. Common symptoms included polyarthralgia, fever, and hair loss, with neuropsychiatric manifestations also frequent. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates and high anti-nuclear antibody titres were noted. The findings suggested that SLE might not be as rare among African Blacks as previously thought, highlighting the need for early aggressive treatment with immunosuppressives.
