Myositis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

We found a low incidence of myositis in our SLE cohort. A cluster of variables, particularly non-Caucasian race/ethnicity, arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, and anti-Smith antibodies were associated with risk of developing myositis in SLE. These variables may aid clinicians in identifying SLE patients at highest risk for this important complication.