[Pattern of systemic lupus erythematosus in Benin and West African patients].

AIMS: To describe the clinical features, laboratory characteristics and the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) among Benin people and West Africa people.

METHODS: This is a part of a retrospective study which initially concerned patients seen in the rheumatology, dermatology and internal medicine departments of National Hospital University of Cotonou during January 2000 to March 2013 (14 years). Patients included in the study were all older than 16 years and fulfilling at least four of ACR criteria 1997 for Systemic lupus erythematosus. In a second step, we collect the data of the countries of West Africa where the work on the systemic lupus erythematosus have been published through a literature review including all articles published in the local, regional and international journals. Demographic, clinical and outcomes data were analyzed.

RESULTS: 33 cases of lupus were diagnosed in 14 years in Cotonou. The sex ratio was 32/1 and means age 28.76 ± 8.01 [16-51]. The mean delay before diagnosis was 15 months [1- 84 months]. Polyarthralgia/ polyarthritis were the most common presentations (94.3 %) followed by systemic manifestations (78.9 %). Nineteen (19) patients achieved serological profiles. The anti- ds DNA were positive in 15 cases, anti- Sm in 10 cases and anti -SSA in 5 cases. Anti - phospholipids and lupus anticoagulant were absent. Treatment modalities were: corticosteroids (n = 21) antimalarials (n=15) , methotrexate (n = 4) , body corticosteroids (n=5), clinical monitoring without treatment (n = 3). Outcome was satisfactory in 25 cases. Eight (8) patients developed complications, 4 cases of death were observed and 8 patients lost to follow. These data are congruent with those published in the countries of West Africa.

CONCLUSION: SLE seems rare in Benin. In general, in West Africa, the diagnosis is difficult because the clinical polymorphism by misdiagnosis and access serological profiles difficulty. However, the disease appears to be well controlled by treatment dominated by corticosteroids.