Systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical manifestations and immunological parameters in 194 patients. Subgroup classification of SLE.

We analysed the prevalence of clinical manifestations and immunological parameters in 194 patients with SLE and classified them in subgroups according to age at onset, gender and type of antibodies: we detected significant differences in the various subgroups. In SLE that initiated before the age of 20 years, the most frequent manifestation at onset was malar rash (25% vs 14%). During the course of the disease, this group had a greater prevalence of malar rash (70% vs 45%), mouth ulcers (48% vs 29%), and convulsions or psychosis (35% vs. 17%). In SLE that initiated late in life (after 50 years) malar rash was less frequent at onset and during subsequent evolution of the disease (27% vs 45%). The existence of ANA, and elevated values of anti-dsDNA, anti-ENA and antiphospholipid antibodies also differentiated the SLE subgroups with clinical significance.