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Systemic lupus erythematosus 
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease where, just as with other autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body’s cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. It can occur at any age, and is most common in women, particularly of non-European descent. Although there is currently no cure, many people with SLE lead long and substantial lives.
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2. SLE is one of several diseases known as "the great imitators" because:
- its symptoms vary so widely that it often mimics or is mistaken for other illnesses; and
- its symptoms come and go unpredictably.
SLE can affect any part of the body, but most often harms the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys and nervous system. 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.
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3. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has established 11 criteria as a classificatory instrument to operationalise the definition of SLE in clinical trials. Patients must meet the following three criteria to be classified as having SLE: (i) patient must present with four of the below eleven symptoms (ii) either simultaneously or serially (iii) during a given period of observation.
- Malar rash (rash on cheeks).
- Discoid lupus (red, scaly patches on skin which cause scarring)
- Photosensitivity (exposure to ultraviolet light causes rash).
- Oral ulcer
- Arthritis
- Renal disorder
- Neurologic disorder: Seizures or psychosis
- Serositis
- Hematologic disorder
- Anti-nuclear antibody test positive
- Immunologic disorder.
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4. Diagnosis can be elusive, with patients sometimes suffering unexplained symptoms and untreated SLE for years. Anti-nuclear antibody testing and anti-extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA) form the mainstay of serologic testing for SLE. Other tests routinely performed in suspected SLE are"
- complement system levels (low levels suggest consumption by the immune system);
- electrolytes and renal function (disturbed if the kidney is involved);
- liver enzymes; and
- complete blood count.
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5. The exact cause of the disease remains unknown. Indeed, consensus is still lacking on whether SLE is a single condition or a group of related diseases. There are three mechanisms by which SLE is thought to develop:
- genetic predisposition;
- environmental triggers; and
- drug reaction (drug-induced SLE).
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6. As SLE erythematosus is a chronic disease with no known cure, treatment is restricted to dealing with the symptoms. Essentially, this involves preventing flares and reducing their severity and duration when they occur. There are several means of preventing and dealing with flares, including:
- drugs, mainly corticosteroids and immunosuppressants;
- alternative medicine; and
- lifestyle changes.
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7. The warning signs of an impending flare include increased fatigue, pain, rash, fever, abdominal discomfort, headache and dizziness. Early recognition of warning signs and good communication with a doctor can help individuals with SLE remain active, experience less pain and reduce medical visits. more... at Wikipedia
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