Characterization of systemic lupus erythematosus in patients in U.A.E.

Twenty-eight SLE patients (Arabs and Asians) in the UAE were studied in this report. The F:M ratio was markedly high; 27:1 in the group as a whole and 21:1 among Arabs. Local patients (Emirians) developed the disease at an earlier age compared to their expatriate Arab compatriots. Arthropathy occurred in 86% and nephropathy in 43% of cases. Next in frequency were leucopenia, mucocutaneous manifestations and serositis. Apart from lupus headache, the other neuro-psychiatric LE were uncommon or not encountered. Anti-cardiolipin syndrome, Sneddon's syndrome, shrunken lung syndrome, sicca complex, thyrotoxicosis and myasthenia gravis were also present in this small group of patients. Their presence reflects the marked heterogeneity displayed by the disease irrespective of the number of cases involved. An unusually high prevalence of anti ds (DNA) antibodies (92.5%) as compared to ANF (82.5%) was detected (P = NS). Anti-Sm antibody occurred in 30% of cases particularly in those patients with lymphadenopathy and fever. There was a relative paucity in the prevalence of anti RNP, Ro and La antibodies in this group. Differences with and similarities to previous reports concerning other populations are also presented.