Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), often simply referred to as lupus, is a long-term autoimmune disease that may affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.

Symptoms

The symptoms of SLE can vary greatly from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and fevers. More severe symptoms can include seizures, psychosis, and inflammation of the heart or lungs.

Causes

The exact cause of SLE is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genes have been linked to the disease, and triggers may include sunlight, certain medications, and viral infections.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of SLE is typically based on the presence of at least four out of eleven clinical criteria, including symptoms and laboratory results. These criteria include malar rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, arthritis, serositis, renal disorder, neurologic disorder, hematologic disorder, immunologic disorder, and antinuclear antibodies.

Treatment

There is no cure for SLE, but treatments can help manage symptoms. These may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants.

Prognosis

The prognosis for people with SLE has improved in recent years due to better recognition and management of the disease. However, SLE can still be a challenging condition to live with and can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of infections.

See also

• Lupus nephritis
• Discoid lupus erythematosus
• Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
• Neonatal lupus erythematosus

References

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Resources
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