Prolonged complete remission in previously severe SLE.

Of 160 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus followed up in a long-term prospective study 4 with previously severe disease are in complete remission and have required no therapy for a median time of 75 months. The 4 females all presented with systemic features and a typical butterfly rash prompting early diagnosis and treatment. All patients have had complete remission of clinical and laboratory features of disease, without maintenance suppressive therapy.