A computer analysis of 234 patients with SLE [systemic lupus erythematosus] followed for an average of 31 mo. revealed 22 patients with aseptic necrosis of bone (AN) (9%), with projected frequency approaching 30% at 10-15 yr of follow-up. Most patients developed AN betwen 4 and 7 yr after diagnosis of SLE. When compared to all other patients with SLE and no AN or to 3 computer-selected groups matched by age of SLE diagnosis, duration of disease or cumulative corticosteroid dose, AN did not correlate with any of the preliminary ARA [American Rheumatism Association] criteria, total number of criteria fulfilled, renal disease, skin vasculitis or disease activity. Although all patients received corticosteroid therapy prior to development of AN, no correlation was found with duration, peak dose or cumulative dose of corticosteroid therapy.