ABSTRACT
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder with organ damage from autoantibodies and immune complexes, which activate complement, which causes infiltration of inflammatory cells. Clinical manifestations include polyarthritis, dermatitis, nephritis, cytopenias, vasculitis, pulmonitis, myocarditis, endocarditis, pleural and pericardial effusions, damage to central and peripheral nerves, and, particularly in patients with antibodies to phospholipids, fetal loss and clotting. Diagnosis requires one or more autoantibodies (including anti-nuclear antibody – ANA) and ≥ 1 typical organ manifestation. Criteria for classification as SLE for studies require ≥ 4 of 11 manifestations.1,2 The mortality rate is approximately 10% over 10 years; nephritis and infections are the main causes of death.
