SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTH EMATOSUS: PATHOGENESIS, …

Eular On-line Course on Rheumatic Diseases module n 17 Ricard Cervera, Gerard Espinosa, David D Cruz 1 2007-2009 EULAR SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: pathogenesis , CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND DIAGNOSIS INTRODUCTION SYSTEMIC LUPUS erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations (1). There is a peak age of onset among young women between the late teens and early 40 s and a female to male ratio of 9:1. Ethnic groups such as those with African or Asian ancestry are more at risk of developing the disorder and it may be more severe compared to Caucasian patients. SLE is a chronic illness that may be life-threatening when major organs are affected but more commonly results in chronic debilitating ill health. No single cause for SLE has been identified though factors such as sunlight and drugs may precipitate the condition and there is a complex genetic basis.

The pathogenesis of lupus remains unclear although the concept of apoptosis goes some way to explaining how the immune system may recognise predominantly intracellular antigens.

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  Systemic, Pathogenesis, Systemic lupus eryth ematosus, Lupus, Eryth, Ematosus

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