Systemic lupus erythematosus: Lupus

Lupus , also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease that affects many parts of the body. Learn about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and complications from this comprehensive article. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory disorder of autoimmune etiology, occurring predominantly in young women. Manifestations may include arthralgias and arthritis, Raynaud syndrome, malar and other rashes, pleuritis or pericarditis, renal or central nervous system involvement, and autoimmune cytopenias. Diagnosis requires clinical and serologic criteria. Treatment of severe, ongoing, active disease requires corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic systemic rheumatic disease that can involve joints, kidneys, skin, mucous membranes, and blood vessel walls. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic condition that can affect multiple tissues and organs. Learn about symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.