Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing widespread inflammation and damage. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and fever. The disease can vary greatly in severity and may cause serious complications such as kidney failure or heart problems. Because it affects multiple body systems, it is considered a systemic condition. Diagnosis often involves blood tests and clinical evaluation of symptoms. Management focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing organ damage.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of autoantibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens, leading to immune complex deposition and inflammation in various tissues. The pathogenesis involves a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and immune dysregulation, including defective clearance of apoptotic cells and loss of self-tolerance. Major clinical features include malar rash, arthritis, serositis, renal involvement (lupus nephritis), hematologic abnormalities, and neurologic symptoms. The disease predominantly affects women of childbearing age and can cause significant morbidity due to organ damage. Immunologic markers such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies are hallmarks. The clinical course is typically relapsing and remitting, requiring careful monitoring.