|  | Conditions & Treatments | Lupus

Lupus (SLE): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Lupus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues—joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, lungs, and brain.

Epidemiology

  • 9:1 female‑to‑male ratio.
  • Onset typically ages 15–44.
  • Higher prevalence in African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American populations.

Causes

Multifactorial: genetic susceptibility (HLA‑DR2/DR3, complement deficiencies), environmental triggers (UV light, infections, drugs), and hormonal influences (estrogen).

Common Symptoms

  • Fatigue, fever, weight loss
  • Malar (“butterfly”) rash, photosensitivity
  • Arthralgia/arthritis (non‑erosive)
  • Renal involvement (lupus nephritis)
  • Serositis (pleuritis, pericarditis)
  • Hematologic: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
  • Neuropsychiatric: seizures, psychosis, cognitive dysfunction

Diagnosis

2019 EULAR/ACR criteria: ANA positivity ≥1:80 plus clinical criteria (weighted scoring). Key labs: anti‑dsDNA, anti‑Sm, complement (C3, C4), urinalysis, biopsy if nephritis suspected.

Treatment

  • Hydroxychloroquine (baseline for all).
  • Corticosteroids for flares.
  • Immunosuppressants: mycophenolate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide (severe).
  • Biologics: belimumab, anifrolumab.
  • ACE inhibitors for renal protection.

Prognosis

With modern therapy, 10‑year survival >90%. Regular monitoring prevents irreversible organ damage.

Lupus - Related Articles