ABSTRACT
DEFINITION Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organ systems, which causes significant morbidity and mortality. Although its etiology, pathogenesis, clinical findings, and laboratory abnormalities are similar to adult-onset SLE, children affected with lupus have special considerations regarding physical and emotional growth and development, treatment toxicities, and lifelong burden of chronic disease. Childhood-onset SLE (onset <16 years of age) makes up approximately 15-20% of all SLE cases, and pediatric lupus is more severe than adult-onset SLE, having a more aggressive presentation and course, including more frequent renal involvement (Barron et al. 1993, Carreno et al. 1999, Tucker et al. 1995).
