In a review of the literature we have found no recent statistical evaluation of the long-term prognosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (hereinafter designated as SLE). Though a dire prognosis was attributed to SLE prior to the early 1950's, the disease actually covers a wide range of severity, from the acute fulminating variety with an unpredictable response to corticosteroids, to the chronic, "smoldering" forms that are compatible with a long life expectancy.1-3 This report summarizes a statistical survey based on 11 years' experience in observing and treating 299 patients with SLE and includes an analysis of factors such as sex, race, and the use of steroid therapy.
Material
The material for this study comprises a consecutive series of patients in an 11-year period, or all of the 299 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who were examined and treated at the Cleveland Clinic between January, 1949, and December, 1959.