Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can
be fatal, though with recent medical advances, fatalities are becoming increasingly
rare. As with other autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body’s
cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. SLE can affect
any part of the body, but most often harms the heart, joints, skin, lungs,
blood vessels, liver, kidneys and nervous system. The course of the disease
is unpredictable, with periods of illness (called flares) alternating with
remission. Lupus can occur at any age, and is most common in women, particularly
of non-European descent. Lupus is treatable symptomatically, mainly with corticosteroids
and immunosuppressants, though there is currently no cure. Survival in patients
with SLE in the United States, Canada, Europe, and China is approximately
95% at 5 years, 90% at 10 years, and 78% at 20 years.
Symptoms
SLE is one of several diseases known as "the great imitators" because
its symptoms vary so widely it often mimics or is mistaken for other illnesses,
and because the symptoms come and go unpredictably. Diagnosis can be elusive,
with patients sometimes suffering unexplained symptoms and untreated SLE for
years. Common initial and chronic complaints are fever, malaise, joint pains,
myalgias and fatigue. Because they are so often seen with other diseases,
these signs and symptoms are not part of the diagnostic criteria for SLE. (1)
source
: wikipedia