Systemic lupus erythematosus (sle)

[Justin Bieber]

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory connective tissue disorder that can involve joints, kidneys, skin, mucous membranes, and blood vessel walls.

Problems in the joints, nervous system, blood, skin, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and other tissues and organs can develop.
Blood tests and sometimes other tests are done to make the diagnosis.
All people with lupus need hydroxychloroquine and people with lupus that is continuing to cause damage (active lupus) also need corticosteroids and other drugs that suppress the immune system.

About 70 to 90% of people who have lupus are women of child-bearing age, but children (mostly girls), older men and women, and even newborns can also be affected. Lupus occurs in all parts of the world but may be more common among blacks and Asians than whites.
The cause of lupus is usually not known. Occasionally, the use of certain drugs (such as hydralazine and procainamide , which are used to treat heart conditions, and isoniazid , which is used to treat tuberculosis) can cause lupus. Drug-induced lupus usually disappears after the drug is stopped.
The number and variety of antibodies that can appear in lupus are greater than those in any other disorder. These antibodies may sometimes determine which symptoms develop. However, the levels of these antibodies may not always be proportional to the person’s symptoms.
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), sometimes called chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, is a form of lupus that affects only the skin. In this condition, raised, round, red rashes occur, sometimes progressing to some loss of the skin with scarring and hair loss in affected areas. The rash clusters on light-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, scalp, and ears. Sometimes a rash or sores also affect the mucous membranes, especially in the mouth. In 10% of people, manifestations of systemic lupus—for example, those affecting the joints, kidneys, and brain—may occur.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a form of lupus that affects mostly the skin, causing various rashes that are widespread, come and go, and may worsen with exposure to sunlight. Red and ring-shaped or psoriasis–like patches may form on the arms, face, and trunk. SCLE differs from DLE because SCLE rarely causes scarring. People commonly have fatigue and joint pains but usually do not have the serious damage to internal organs that can occur in SLE.