Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

"By exudative erythema is understood a disease of unknown etiology with polymorphic skin lesions--hyperaemia, oedema, and hemorrhage--arthritis occasionally, and a variable number of visceral manifestations, of which the most important are gastro-intestinal crises,endocarditis, pericarditis, acute nephritis, and hemorrhage from the mucous surfaces. Recurrence is a special feature…and attacks may come on... even throughout a long period of years." -Willial Osler, 1895

Systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease with many manifestations. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system is directed against the body's own tissues (the body harms its own healthy cells and tissues ) leading to inflammation of various body tissues. It can occur at all ages, but is more common in young women. In addition, lupus can run in families, but the risk that a child or a brother or sister of a patient will also have lupus is still quite low.

Etiology

Lupus is a complex disease, the cause of which is unknown. In addition, some autoantibodies join with substances from the body's own cells or tissues to form molecules called immune complexes. A buildup of these immune complexes in the body also contributes to inflammation and tissue injury in persons with lupus. Researchers do not yet understand all the factors that cause inflammation and tissue damage in lupus.