Comparison of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated in public centers versus private health centers.

Abstract

Recent studies on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have reported more favorable outcomes thanks to better knowledge of the disease, more expert management of it, and rational use of treatments. In this study we identified 301 SLE patients, seen between 1988 and 2019. Two hundred and twenty eight patients were treated in the public health system and 73 in private practice. In comparing both groups, we discovered that patients in the public health system were youn-ger at first consultation and at SLE onset and that the mean duration of their disease prior to first consultation was shorter in a statistically significant way. Also, they showed more frequence of leucopenia, Sm antibody, renal involvement and received I.V. corticosteroids. Patients treated in the public system of health showed more accrual damage over the 10 first years of the disease than patients seen in the private system of health, but death in both groups was similar. Patients from both public and private groups were attended by medical specialist practices who made close follow-ups.