To determine the characteristics of evolution of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the authors studied 30 cases retrospectively. All were black women aged from 16 to 73 years (with a mean of 30 years) at the time of diagnosis. Dermatological manifestations consisting in discoid lupus or alopecia inaugurated the disease in 12 cases, joint symptoms in 10 cases. Polyarthritis was the most common inaugural manifestation, followed by discoid lupus. Corticosteroids therapy alone or associated to chloroquine or immunosuppressor led to good results; 88% of patients who received treatment had good outcomes in the first 5 months after diagnosis. After this time lapse, 6 cases of complications related to the corticosteroids therapy occurred. After one year, 5 patients presented one or more flare-ups and had to be re-hospitalized; 8 others were lost to the follow-up. The overall mortality rate was 27% (8 cases out of 30). Causes of death were first renal failure (3/8) followed by infectious complications (2/8). The management of SLE could be improved by a close follow-up and providing the patients and their family with adequate information.