Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is name used to describe a chronic autoimmune disease, which affects many different tissues and organs in the body. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus most often harms the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys and nervous system. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus affects nine times more women than men. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, also called remission.

Lupus is a complex disease, and its cause is still unknown. It is most likely that it is a combination of genetic, environmental and possibly hormonal factors that work together to cause the appearance of the disease.

Lupus symptoms vary widely and they come and go unpredictably. Common initial signs are: low grade fever, malaise, joint pains, muscle pain, fatigue, unusual loss of hair, sensitivity to the sun and temporary loss of cognitive abilities. Most patients with lupus will develop arthritis during the course of their illness. Arthritis in lupus commonly involves swelling, pain and stiffness. More serious organ involvement with inflammation occurs in the brain, liver and kidneys.

A patient with lupus may have inflammation of various parts of the heart (pericarditis, myocarditis, and endocarditis). Kidney inflammation in lupus can cause proteinuria, fluid retention, high blood pressure, and in some cases even may lead to kidney failure. When lupus affects the kidneys, intensive drug treatment is required to prevent permanent damage. Lung and pleura inflammation can cause pleuritis, pleural effusion and other severe lung symptoms. Involvement of the brain can cause personality changes, thought disorders (psychosis), seizures, and even coma.

The diagnosis of lupus is made by symptoms observation. Lab tests provide a partial picture only. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing and anti-extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA) form the mainstay of serologic testing for Systemic Lupus.

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