Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, causing inflammation that can affect multiple organs and systems. SLE can involve the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, blood cells, and blood vessels. Symptoms and severity vary widely between individuals and may change over time, with periods of increased disease activity, known as flares, and periods of lower disease activity or remission. Serious complications can include lupus nephritis, cardiovascular disease, neurological involvement, and blood disorders.

Fatigue, fever, joint pain or swelling, skin rashes, photosensitivity, oral or nasal ulcers, and hair loss, including nonscarring alopecia. In some people, hair loss may appear in irregular patches described as “moth-eaten” alopecia. SLE can also cause blood cell abnormalities and problems involving the kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and other organs.

Lupus nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, vascular disease, Graves’ disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

SLE has a greater risk of occurring in females, with a 9:1 female to male ratio of disease incidence. Age is another risk factor, with diagnosis most commonly occurring between the ages of 15 and 44. Studies have also shown a greater prevalence of SLE among Blacks, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian populations.