Health status and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

The physical manifestations of disease activity and health status of patients with systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were measured in this study. Forty-nine patients completed the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS) and consented to examination for physical features of SLE documented by a Clinical Activity Index (CAI). Results showed a mean score of 22 on the AIMS and 6.6 on the CAI. The total scores for each measure were significantly correlated (r = 0.55, p < 0.001), indicating a relationship between health status and clinical disease activity. The total score for CAI was significantly correlated with the physical activity, pain, and depression subscales of health status. The total score for health status was significantly correlated with mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, and general features of CAI. Within scale correlations were also found. Mucocutaneous aspects of disease activity were significantly correlated with pain and depression. Musculoskeletal features were significantly correlated with physical activity and pain. General aspects of SLE, including fatigue, were significantly correlated with physical activity. The study concludes that there is a relationship between certain physical features of SLE and key components of health status.