Essentials of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was described as a multisystemic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical and serological manifestations, affecting organs such as the kidneys, blood, and brain. It predominantly affected women of childbearing age, with higher prevalence in African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations. The 10-year survival rate was approximately 70%. The exact cause of SLE was unknown, but it was believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including ultraviolet light, infections, medications, hormones, smoking, and vaccines. Diagnosis was challenging due to the disease's varied symptoms, which included rash, joint pain, fatigue, hair loss, photosensitivity, fever, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. The American College of Rheumatology established 11 diagnostic criteria, requiring 4 to be met for a formal diagnosis. Laboratory tests, such as ANA and antiDNA, were crucial in the evaluation process.