Clinical and serological spectrum of systemic lupus erythematosus in Greek children.

In the present study 19 Greek Caucasian children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), onset before the age of 16, were followed up for 1-12 years (mean 5.6 yrs.). Diagnosis was determined early in 14 patients and delayed by 2 to 6 years in 5. The clinical manifestations and laboratory findings did not differ significantly from those reported in adults with lupus. The major organ system involvement at onset and early course were skin and joints (80%) followed by kidneys (42%). During the course of the disease 26% of the children developed central nervous system (CNS) involvement. All the patients were treated with steroids and/or cytotoxic drugs in severe uncontrolled progressive disease. At the mean 5.6 years follow-up most patients were in remission on small doses of steroids; one patient still presents signs of active lupus nephritis and one patient died from sepsis. All the patients with CNS involvement recovered without permanent CNS residue.