QUALITY-OF-LIFE OF WOMEN WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS - A COMPARISON WITH WOMEN WITH RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

We assessed the quality of life and health status of 50 women with sys temic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and compared them with 50 age matched women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)using open ended questions, the Qu ality of Life Scale (QOLS-S), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIM S), Rheumatology Attitudes Index, and 2 measures of disease activity, The patients with SLE expressed more concerns about their disease and potential for managing it than the patients with RA. However. there we re no differences between the groups on the QOLS-S. Both were highly s atisfied with many aspects of their lives. The best predictor of life quality in both groups was psychological distress followed by social a nd physical functioning in the group with RA and perception of global impact of the disease in the group with SLE.