Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of antibodies and immune complexes, which deposit in different organs leading to various clinical presentations. SLE commonly affects women of child-bearing age. Symptoms vary from mild skin or joint involvement to life-threatening organ damage. The disease usually has a relapsing and remitting course and the goal of treatment is disease remission to prevent further organ damage.