Systemic lupus erythematosus in children. A report of 3 cases.

In a 20-year period at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, only 4 children have been diagnosed as having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although Indians accounted for only 8,2% of paediatric admissions during this period, all 4 children were from this community. The clinical presentation, laboratory findings and renal biopsy features in 3 of these 4 cases are described. The fact that no case of SLE in Black children has been recorded over the past 20 years in one of the largest hospitals for Blacks in southern Africa is emphasized and ethnic differences in prevalence rates of SLE are given. Aspects of current trends in the treatment of SLE are indicated.