Systemic lupus erythematosus in Lomé, Togo

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze clinical findings and outcomes in patients treated for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Lomé, Togo between 1991 and 2003. Review of records from four departments turned up a total of 16 cases of SLE. All patients were women. Mean patient age was 31.93 years. The most frequent clinical manifestations were discoid lupus (87.5%), malar rash (56.25%), alopecia (43.7%), polyarthralgia (87,5%), and seritis (37,5%). Laboratory findings included haemolytic anemia (68.7%), leucocytopenia (31.25%), and proteinuria (37.5%). Antinuclear and anti-DNA antibodies were detected in 923% and 76.9% of cases respectively. The mean duration of follow-up was 33.56 months. The most common complication was infection (68.7% ). Death occurred in five patients (31.25%) due mainly to iatrogenic causes.