Introduction:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune system dysfunction and multisystem involvement, including renal, dermatologic, neuropsychiatric, and cardiovascular manifestations. Biomarkers play a key role in diagnosis, assessment, and disease management.

Objective:

To determine the clinical characteristics and autoantibodies in patients with SLE hospitalized at the National Hospital between 2018 and October 2023.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional, observational descriptive study with cross-association was conducted, including SLE patients hospitalized at the National Hospital. Demographic and clinical characteristics, along with the presence of autoantibodies (anti-DNA, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-Ro, anti-La, anti-Jo, rheumatoid factor [RF], anti-p ribosomal, anti-histone, anticardiolipin, and lupus anticoagulant), were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used, with a significance level of 0.05.

Results:

A total of 164 patients were included (87% female), with a median age of 29.6 years. Disease activity was severe in 51.8% of cases. The most common clinical manifestations were alopecia (81.7%), arthralgia (75.6%), headache (67.7%), malar rash (58.5%), arthritis (34.8%), nephritis and prolonged fever (31.7%). The most frequent autoantibodies were anti-DNA (60%), anti-Ro (44%), anti-Sm (32%), and RF (24%). Low levels of C3 and C4 were found in 59% and 51.2% of patients, respectively. Anti-DNA, anti-RNP, and anti-p ribosomal antibodies were associated with nephritis; anti-Sm with Raynaud’s syndrome.

Conclusion:

Alopecia and arthralgia were the predominant clinical features. Anti-DNA, anti-Ro, and anti-Sm were the most frequent autoantibodies, with significant associations that underscore their importance in SLE management.