Lupus (SLE)

What Is Lupus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. It can affect joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. Lupus affects women 9 times more often than men.¹

Common Symptoms²

• Joint pain and swelling
• Extreme fatigue
• Butterfly-shaped facial rash
• Skin rashes
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Fever
• Hair loss
• Mouth sores

Pain in Lupus

• Arthritis (usually non-erosive)
• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Fibromyalgia-like symptoms (common)
• Flares and remissions

Diagnosis

• Clinical symptoms
• ANA (antinuclear antibody) test
• Other autoantibodies (anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith)
• Blood tests, urinalysis
• Often delayed diagnosis

Treatment³

Medications

• Hydroxychloroquine (cornerstone)
• NSAIDs for joint pain
• Corticosteroids (flares)
• Immunosuppressants (severe disease)
• Biologics (belimumab)

Lifestyle

• Sun protection essential
• Rest during flares
• Regular exercise when able
• Stress management

Living with Lupus

• Disease course varies widely
• Regular monitoring important
• Manage flares proactively
• Build support network

References

1. Tsokos GC. Systemic lupus erythematosus. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(22):2110-2121.
2. Petri M, Orbai AM, Alarcón GS, et al. Derivation and validation of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum. 2012;64(8):2677-2686.
3. Fanouriakis A, Kostopoulou M, Alunno A, et al. 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019;78(6):736-745.