PROFILE OF CHILDREN WITH ANA NEGATIVE SLE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL INSOUTH INDIA

Introduction - ANA negative systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a relatively uncommonentity in childhood but when it occurs is usually associated with significant multi-system involvementespecially renal. Aim - To describe the clinical profile, treatment and outcome of children with ANAnegative SLE.Methodology - 160 children with SLE were being followed up in Pediatric Rheumatologyand Pediatric Nephrology clinic. Out of this, 16 children were diagnosed to have ANA negative SLEwas included in the study. Their clinical, laboratory, treatment and outcome data were collected fromtheir medical records and entered in the proforma and analyzed.Results - Total of 16 children werefollowed up with ANA negative SLE. 13 (82) were girls and 3 (18) were boys. Mean age at diagnosiswas 10.4 years (range 7 to 14 years). ACR classification criteria for SLE were fulfilled by 5 (31)children. 14 (88) had renal involvement. All underwent renal biopsy. Among these