THE EFFECT OF THE L. E. CELL TEST ON THE CLINICAL PICTURE OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is 1/2 as frequent as acute rheumatic fever at the Los Angeles County General Hospital. The disease is subject to remissions and exacerbations in 39.7% of the patients. Any system may be initially involved, heal, and mos. to yrs. later another region may be affected without a relapse in the first part affected. This concept is fundamental to an understanding of the disease process. A series of 62 patients is descr. showing the initial involvement of different organs in each case, with emphasis on beginning lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, pericardium, kidney, peripheral blood vessels, pleura, central nervous system and hematologic systems. Hormonal therapy is the best treatment. We have shown that, with adequate early therapy, the abnormalities can be reversed. It is essential that these cases be recognized early, prior to irreversible damage.