Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

What is SLE?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is the most common type of lupus. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. It can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels.

What causes systemic lupus erythematosus?

It's likely that lupus results from a combination of your genetics and your environment. It appears that people with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with something in the environment that can trigger lupus. The cause of lupus in most cases, however, is unknown.

What are the symptoms of SLE?

Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) vary from person to person and they may come and go and change over time. Lupus shares symptoms with other diseases, which can make it difficult to diagnose. The most common symptoms include:

• Skin rashes
• Pain or swelling in the joints (arthritis)
• Swelling in the feet, and around the eyes (typically due to kidney involvement)
• Extreme fatigue
• Low fevers