SLE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), also known simply as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body. Symptoms vary between people and may be mild to severe. Common symptoms include painful and swollen joints, fever, chest pain, hair loss, mouth ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, feeling tired, and a red rash which is most commonly on the face. Often there are periods of illness, called flares, and periods of remission during which there are few symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus are highly variable and can be categorized into general symptoms, musculoskeletal symptoms, dermatologic symptoms, cardiopulmonary symptoms, renal symptoms, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and hematologic symptoms.

General symptoms

The most common initial symptoms are fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Other general symptoms include anorexia, nausea, and malaise.

Musculoskeletal symptoms

Musculoskeletal symptoms of SLE include arthralgia, arthritis, and myalgia. Arthralgia is the most common symptom, affecting up to 95% of patients at some point during the course of the disease.

Dermatologic symptoms

Dermatologic symptoms include malar rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity, and oral ulcers. The malar rash, also known as the butterfly rash, is a classic symptom of SLE.

Cardiopulmonary symptoms

Cardiopulmonary symptoms include pleurisy, pericarditis, and myocarditis. Pleurisy is the most common cardiopulmonary symptom, affecting up to 60% of patients at some point during the course of the disease.

Renal symptoms

Renal symptoms include proteinuria, hematuria, and renal failure. Proteinuria is the most common renal symptom, affecting up to 60% of patients at some point during the course of the disease.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms

Neuropsychiatric symptoms include cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, seizures, and psychosis. Cognitive dysfunction is the most common neuropsychiatric symptom, affecting up to 80% of patients at some point during the course of the disease.

Hematologic symptoms

Hematologic symptoms include anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy. Anemia is the most common hematologic symptom, affecting up to 50% of patients at some point during the course of the disease.

Causes

The exact cause of SLE is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genes have been linked to the disease, and it is more common in certain ethnic groups.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically based on the person's signs and symptoms and may be supported by blood tests. These may include ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, and antiphospholipid antibodies.

Treatment

There is no cure for SLE. Treatment is aimed at easing symptoms and reducing the risk of organ damage. This may include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunosuppressants, and biologics.

Epidemiology

SLE affects between 20 and 150 per 100,000 people worldwide. It is more common in women than men and often begins between the ages of 15 and 45.

See also

• Lupus nephritis
• Lupus anticoagulant
• Lupus erythematosus test
• Lupus erythematosus cell

SLE Resources
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