Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immunological disease with unknown etiology that may affect many organs . Therapy in this disease is not curative and decreased physical abilities are obvious in patients with SLE. The aim of this study was to determine physical disability ranges in patients with SLE.

Methods: This is a cross sectional study focusing on determination of physical disabilities in relation to different demographic including sex, age, duration of disease and the number of diagnostic criteria of American Rheumatiological Association (ARA).

Results: The mean age of patients was 16.32 ± 10.35 years and the female to male ratio was 8.33 to 1. The mean score of physical disability was 3.42±3.17 according to Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).

Conclusion: Females were more affected than males, and disability was more severe in females (3.5±4) than males (3.00±3, p<0.05).

Hakim Research Journl 2006 9(3): 44- 49.