Corticosteroid treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus. Survival studies

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Abstract
Survival rates of 2 groups of corticosteroid-treated patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were compared using life table analysis. Group 1 consists of 209 SLE patients studied in New York City [USA] between 1957-1968; group 2 consists of 156 SLE patients studied in Connecticut [USA] between 1968-1976. A similar percentage of patients in each group was followed. The 5 yr survival rate for group 1 was 70%, compared with 93% for group 2. Improved survival could not be explained by differences in racial composition, incidence of CNS manifestations or incidence of severe renal disease. Markedly improved survival may be due to several factors, including a generally better understanding of the disease and the recent use of newer antibiotics. Management of the 2 groups was similar, except that group 2 patients'' conditions were managed not only on the basis of clinical evidence of disease activity but also on the basis of the serum complement (C3) level and the level of antibody to native DNA. Use of such serologic values may lead to improved survival.

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