Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by inflammation in connective tissues, affecting organs like the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, and nervous system. Stemming from the immune system mistakenly attacking the body, SLE manifests with symptoms such as extreme fatigue, malaise, fever, joint and muscle pain, and a distinctive “butterfly rash” on the face. Skin issues, kidney disease, heart complications, and neurological problems are common. SLE follows a pattern of exacerbations and remissions, gradually worsening over time and potentially leading to life-threatening complications. While genetic factors and polymorphisms contribute to the risk, environmental triggers like viral infections, stress, and sunlight also play a role. Drug exposure can trigger SLE in some cases. The improper clearance of apoptotic cells may contribute to the autoimmune response. SLE can run in families, but its inheritance pattern remains largely unknown, with gene variations influencing risk rather than guaranteeing the condition’s occurrence. In rare instances, an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern is observed, requiring disease-causing variants in both gene copies.