What is systemic lupus erythematosus ?
Systemic lupus erythematosus is often referred to as SLE or just Lupus. Lupus comes from the Latin name for wolf and was originally used as a descriptive term because of the erosion of the skin which looked as though it had been gnawed.
SLE is a chronic (long-lasting) disease of the immune system in which the body produces too many antibodies. These antibodies circulate in the bloodstream causing inflammation in the joints, muscles and other organs.
SLE usually affects women of child-bearing age and over 90 per cent of sufferers are female. However, men and children may also develop the disease. It is also more common in black and Asian women than in white women.
Lupus may be classified into three types:
- Discoid LE (DLE) which tends to remain only as a skin rash and rarely progresses to the more severe form of SLE
- Drug-Induced SLE which may cause different symptoms to develop
- SLE which is the most chronic form of the disease
What are the symptoms of SLE?
SLE can vary in severity from a mild form of the disease affecting only a few organs of the body to a much more serious form that can cause severe symptoms and may be life-threatening.
A red rash usually occurs on the face which is often exacerbated by sunlight. This often has a characteristic "butterfly" distribution over the cheeks. SLE can affect almost every organ and generally causes a mild form of arthritis that can affect one or more joints. Many sufferers experience severe fatigue and weakness. Hair loss, mouth ulcers, poor circulation in the fingers (Raynaud's syndrome) and headaches are also commonly found in people with this disease. In severe forms of the disease, damage to the heart, kidney, lungs and brain may occur. These severe effects do not occur in drug-induced SLE.
The disease progresses differently in each person affected, so it is difficult to predict the course that the disease will take. Some people may never develop serious complications, but for those that do treatment is improving.
The disease is characterised by episodes of illness and periods of improvement or remission. Remission may last for weeks, months or even years.
What is the cause of SLE?
The exact cause of SLE is still unknown but it is thought that the environment, hormonal changes and hereditary factors may all be involved.
An antinuclear antibody (ANA) is usually found in the blood of a person with SLE. This can be an important test for diagnosing the disease. A blood test will also show a low white blood cell count and anaemia.
Drug-induced SLE may be caused by a wide variety of drugs but the symptoms will subside when the drug that is causing them is stopped.
What treatment is available?
The mainstay of treatment for SLE is corticosteroids. The corticosteroid prescribed most commonly is prednisolone; methylprednisolone injection may be prescribed for acute attacks.
Medication is usually prescribed individually for each person according to the type and severity of symptoms. For example, an antimalarial drug such as chloroquine (eg, Nivaquine®) or hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) may be given to treat symptoms such as photosensitivity, inflammatory rashes or arthralgia. Aspirin or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (eg, ibuprofen) may be given to treat mild arthralgia. They may be given together with corticosteroids.
Immunosuppressant drugs such as azathioprine, methotrexate or cyclophosphamide may also be prescribed.
Further information available from:
Lupus UK
St James House
Eastern Road
Romford
Essex RM1 3NH
Tel: 01708 731251
Email: headoffice@lupusuk.org.uk
Internet: www.lupusuk.com
Fact sheet provided by MIMS
Date last reviewed: February 2008
