[The survival of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

146 patients with systemic lupus erythematodes were followed up. The patients are classified into two groups: I group--includes 74 patients treated during the 1953-1980. II group--of 72 patients treated during the period 1980-1987. Of the 74 patients of the I group 38 (51%) are still alive and 38 patients (49%) have died. From the II group 67 (93%) are alive and only 5 patients (7%) have died. 56% of the deceased patients died during the first 5 years. The following 5 years the death rate is twice as small--II dead patients (27%). Only 3 patients survived more than 15 years. The leading causes of death are: lupus nephropathy--18 patients (44%), cardiovascular lesions--12 patients (30%), neurologic complications and lately--infectious complications. A correlation between age and evolution of the disease is found: in younger age the evolution is more rapid. The analysis of the treatment of the patients from the II group reveals that the longer survival is due to the correct application of antimalarial drugs, cortisone drugs, imuran, pylse therapy with cortisone or a combination of these drugs.