SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS IN MALAYSIA - A STUDY OF 539 PATIENTS AND COMPARISON OF PREVALENCE AND DISEASE EXPRESSION IN DIFFERENT RACIAL AND GENDER GROUPS

The aims of this study were to examine the clinical and laboratory fea tures of Malaysian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) an d to identify any difference in disease expression between the differe nt genders and among the three major ethnic groups of Malaysia. Retros pective analysis of all patients with SLE admitted to and followed-up at University Hospital Kuala Lumpur from 1974-90 was undertaken. Ethni c Chinese had the highest prevalence of SLE compared to other ethnic g roups. There was a high incidence of renal disease, 74% of patient had significant proteinuria and half of these had associated nephrotic sy ndrome. Indian patients had significantly less incidence of skin manif estation compared to other racial groups. No difference in disease exp ression was detected between the ethnic Chinese and Indians and betwee n the male and female patients. The overall 5 y and 10 y survival rate s were 82% and 70% respectively. Indian patients had the poorest survi val rates. Survival rates are similar among the Chinese and Malay pati ents. Our findings are in broad agreement with those previously report ed.