Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

4 Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

5 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a long-term autoimmune condition characterized by diverse clinical and laboratory manifestations influenced by genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. This study aimed to characterize the clinical and laboratory profiles of SLE in Iranian patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with SLE at a private rheumatology clinic from 2015 to 2023. Data on clinical manifestations and laboratory findings, including immunological indices, systemic inflammation, hematological, metabolic, thyroid, and renal factors, were collected from patient medical records.
Results: Of 313 patients (284 females, 29 males; mean age: 43.68 ± 12.39 years for females, 40.20 ± 10.17 years for males), the most prevalent clinical manifestations were joint pain (61.94%) and skin rash (60%). Renal, vascular, serositis, neuropsychiatric, and cardiac manifestations occurred in 33.33%, 17.15%, 9.39%, 7.44%, and 2.91% of patients, respectively. Leukopenia was observed in 24.10%, thrombocytopenia in 10.13%, and all patients were ANA-positive. Gender differences included higher leukopenia in females (25.63% vs. 10.34%; P=0.041) and elevated LDL in males (25% vs. 9.6%; P=0.014).
Conclusion: This study delineates the clinical and laboratory characteristics of SLE in Iranian patients, revealing patterns consistent with global cohorts but shaped by regional genetic and environmental factors. Comparisons with international studies highlight the influence of ethnicity on disease presentation, emphasizing the need for tailored management and prospective research to address data gaps, such as histopathological and serological details.

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