Clinical Expression and Morbidity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus During a Post-Diagnostic 5-Year Follow-Up: A Male to Female Comparison

This study analyzed the clinical features and morbidity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 59 male and 535 female patients over a 5-year period post-diagnosis. It found that male patients had higher rates of thromboses, nephropathy, strokes, gastrointestinal symptoms, and antiphospholipid syndrome, but lower rates of arthralgia, hair loss, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and photosensitivity compared to females. During follow-up, males showed higher incidences of tendonitis, myositis, nephropathy, and respiratory infections. The study concluded that gender influences the clinical expression and morbidity of SLE.