Systemic lupus erythematosus
Evidence: Antibody
Names
Description
Patient Groups
Systemic lupus erythematosus
SLE
Lupus
SLE, the most common type of lupus, is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
Bloggers
Prevalence
US Cases: 210,000 - 260,000 [Izmirly 2021]. Note that this is for systemic lupus only (SLE). Many estimates of “lupus” include patients with less severe forms (cutaneous/discoid lupus).
Typical Age of onset
Onset of SLE is usually after puberty, typically in the 20s and 30s, with 20% of all cases diagnosed during the first 2 decades of life.
Symptoms
Fatigue and fever
Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose
Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure (photosensitivity)
Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud's phenomenon)
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dry eyes
Source: Medscape
