SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS IN SOUTH-AFRICAN BLACKS - PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and laborato ry findings in black South African patients with systemic lupus erythe matosus (SLE) and to compare these with findings in a group of white p atients. Materials and Methods. Forty black patients were studied. The group of exclusively white patients reported by Beutner et al. was us ed for comparison. Results. A decreased frequency of malar rash, photo sensitivity, and hematologic involvement was found in black patients. They had anti-Sm and anti-NRNP antibodies and low complement more ofte n than white patients with SLE in Beutner et al, group. Conclusions. M ore differences have been noted in laboratory than in clinical paramet ers and findings reported in African-Americans with SLE have been conf irmed in black Africans. Ethnic factors may play a role in the symptom atology of SLE.