Systematic lupus erythematosus in Barbados

ABSTRACT

Systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a relatively common disease in the Caribbean. Its demogaphic and clinical features are presented in this review of SLE in Barbados in which 75 consecutive cases were evaluated during the course of prospective analysis. Renal involvement was the most important cause of morbidity and mortality, and the major indication for the use of aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. Renal failure, immunosuppression, and infection combined to provide major risks to survival (AU)