Autoimmune Diseases

What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?

Overview

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause a multitude of symptoms. Lupus can occur in overlap with scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases. Scleroderma is also frequently misdiagnosed as lupus in its initial stages. (Also see Autoimmune Diseases, Difficult Diagnosis, What is Scleroderma?, and Overlap Syndrome)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE/LUPUS). MedicineNet.

Types of Lupus. The various types of lupus include Cutaneous Lupus, Systemic Lupus (SLE), Drug- Induced Lupus; Overlap Syndrome; and Neonatal Lupus (rare). Lupus Foundation of America (Also see Overlap Syndrome)

Evaluation of Mental Health Factors among People with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. The mental health of patients with SLE in the times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is not only an extremely important medical problem but also a social one and must require special attention. PubMed, J Clin Med, 2020 Sep 5;9(9):E2872. (Also see Depression)

Serum levels of soluble programmed cell death protein 1 (sPD1) and soluble programmed cell death protein ligand 2 (sPD-L2)are increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and associated with the disease activity. The present study demonstrated the association of serum sPD-1 and sPD-L2 with SLE and suggests their usefulness as disease activity biomarkers for SLE. Sage Journals, Lupus, 04/07/2020.

Ultrasensitive serum interferon-α quantification during systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remission identifies patients at risk for relapse. Direct serum IFN-α assessment with highly sensitive digital immunoassay permits clinicians to identify a subgroup of SLE patients, clinically in remission, but at higher risk of relapse. PubMed, Ann Rheum Dis, 09/30/2019.

A comparison of three classification criteria sets for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) - a study looking at links to outcome and mortality. These findings were clearer in patients negative for non-diagnostic-SLE autoantibodies, who may benefit more from the predictive capacity of the EULAR/ACR set. PubMed, Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken), 09/10/2019.

Changing hospitalization trends for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis in England. Whilst all-cause emergency admissions rose in the general population, those for SLE fell. PubMed, Lupus, 2019 Jun 4:961203319853357. (Also see Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Antibodies

Antibodies in Lupus. There are a wide variety of autoantibodies associated with lupus. Some of the antibodies are helpful in diagnosing the illness, while others are more useful in detecting disease activity or potential complications. ISN.

Causes

Causes of Lupus. Possible causes of lupus include genetics, environmental exposures such as insecticides and smoking, hormones, medications, and infections. ISN.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Lupus. Diagnosis of systemic lupus can take many years. Even then, it is sometimes only diagnosed by autopsy. ISN.

Lupus in Overlap

Lupus in Overlap. When lupus appears along with other autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma and Sjögren's, it is often referred to as an overlap syndrome. ISN.

Media Stories

Media Stories about Lupus. ISN.

Pediatric Lupus

Pediatric Lupus. refers to any form of lupus that onsets during childhoood. It generally begins with vague symptoms like weakness, joint pain, weight loss, fatigue and/or rashes. After a few months, more serious symptoms may set in. ISN.

Personal Stories

Lupus Personal Stories. These stories include suspected lupus and lupus misdiagnosis, as well as those with Overlap Syndrome. ISN.

Research

Research on Lupus. Areas of the most intense research for lupus include genetics, and treatments. Every lupus patient should have their Vitamin D status regularly tested and their levels optimized. ISN.

Support

Lupus Foundation of America launches new national magazine The Lupus Foundation of America has a magazine dedicated to lupus, a life-threatening autoimmune disease affecting 1.5 million Americans. Lupus Foundation of America.

Symptoms and Complications

Treatments for Lupus

Treatments for Lupus. Lupus treatment includes care for symptoms as they arise, plus treatments aimed at slowing down the overall course of the disease, such as anti-inflammatories, steroids, and immunosuppressants. ISN.

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