Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
July 2015
in “
Encyclopedia of Life Sciences
”
TLDR Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease causing inflammation and various symptoms, mainly in young women, treated with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was described as a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause that affected various organs and systems, particularly in young women. It was characterized by immune abnormalities, especially antinuclear antibodies, and had a variable clinical course with remissions and relapses. Common symptoms included fatigue, fever, weight loss, and joint symptoms in over 90% of patients. Other manifestations included skin lesions, hair loss, renal involvement, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, neurologic issues, and hematologic abnormalities. Treatment focused on preventive measures and symptom alleviation using anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive medications. The onset of SLE was sometimes linked to factors like UV light exposure, infections, stress, surgery, and pregnancy.
