Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children

Between 1945 and 1970, 101 children (86 girls and 15 boys) with systemic lupus erythematosus were evaluated at the Mayo Clinic. Only 9 children were less than 9 years old at the time of diagnosis. The most frequent presenting complaint was arthralgia; fever, fatigue, and a "butterfly" malar rash also were common. Renal involvement, found in more than 76 per cent of patients, was a prognostically poor sign. The overall survival of children with renal involvement is improved by the use of adequate steroid therapy.