Prevalence of systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Kentatta national hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease whose exact cause is unknown. Pathogenesis and onset of clinical signs and symptoms is attributed to the loss of self-tolerance by the immune system. Normal functional body cells are recognized as foreign and attacked by the immune system.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Systemic lupus erythematosus in Kenyatta National Hospital between 2007 and 2017.
Methodology: The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional study done at the Kenyatta National Hospital medical clinic for the period between the years 2007 and 2017. The data was collected by the use of data compilation forms to extract the data from the records.
Data management: The data obtained was analyzed by the use of graphs, charts, tables and calculation of percentage.
Results: A total of 166 patients diagnosed with SLE between the years 2007 and 2017 were included in this study. 92.2% of the patients were females while males constituted 7.8% of the study population. 79.5% of the patients were females aged 18 to 60 years.
Conclusion: SLE in KNH is common among females within the childbearing age (18 – 45 years).
Recommendations: Public awareness about SLE should be improved so as to educate the public on the signs and symptoms to enable early screening and diagnosis