Understanding Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. It can affect the joints, skin, brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. There is no cure for lupus, but patients that get proper medical care, preventive care, and education can significantly improve function and quality of life.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Lupus nephritis

Signs & symptoms

People with SLE may experience a variety of symptoms that include fevers, fatigue, skin rashes, sun sensitivity, oral ulcers, hair loss and pain or swelling in the joints (arthritis). Internal organs may also be affected by SLE, and cause lung problems, heart problems, kidney problems, seizures, psychosis, and blood cell and immunological abnormalities. Symptoms of SLE tend to appear as flares, followed by a period of remission (lasting from weeks to years).

Diagnosis

Lupus can be hard to diagnose because it has many symptoms that are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Medical history and family history
- Complete physical exam. Your doctor will look for rashes and other signs of SLE.
- Blood tests, including complete blood count, blood chemistry and typical SLE antibodies.
- urine tests
- Skin or kidney biopsy. A biopsy is a minor surgery to remove a sample of tissue. Skin and kidney tissue can show signs of an autoimmune disease.

Treatment

Treating SLE often requires a team approach because of the number of organs that can be affected. Several different types of medicines are used to treat SLE. Commonly uses medicines are Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Corticosteroids, Antimalarial drugs (Hydroxychloroquine) and immunosuppressive drugs that inhibit activity of the immune system.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.

Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital