Clinical manifestations of disease activity, its measurement, and associated morbidity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Although nephritis remains a very important clinical disease manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the focus has shifted from issues of mortality to morbidity. An improved method for measuring renal function is presented, and the value of renal biopsy, specifically the chronicity index, is confirmed as a predictor of end-stage renal disease. Several studies detailing the generally favorable course in SLE patients with renal failure who have eventually required chronic dialysis or renal transplantation are discussed. A high frequency of cardiovascular manifestations, often subclinical, is documented, including abnormalities of ventricular and valvular function. The clinical course and response to treatment of SLE patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension are outlined. Cases of the unusual gastrointestinal presentation of protein-losing enteropathy in SLE have been described by several authors. The clinical correlates and significance of persistent rheumatoid-like arthritis and radiologic erosive and cystic bony lesions in SLE are discussed. Serologic markers of specific SLE disease manifestations and general predictors of disease activity are evaluated. Complications related to infection, malignancy, and pregnancy are described.