Systemic lupus erythematosus. The effect of corticotropin and adrenocorticoid therapy on survival rate.

Ninety-four cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were reviewed to assess the effect of adrenocorticotropin and adrenocorticoids on survival rate. Of the 43 patients who died, the mean survival in treated cases was 4.7 years, compared with 2 years in the control group. Utilizing a modified life table method, five-year survival rates were calculated for patients with SLE classified according to the severity of symptoms at the onset of disease. Survival rates for the treated and control groups were similar for patients with mild SLE, but definitely favored the treated patients who had moderate or severe forms of the disease. Thus, corticotropin or adrenocorticoid therapy seems definitely indicated in the moderate and certainly in the severe cases of SLE.