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Systemic lupus erythematosus
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, causing widespread inflammation.

Overview

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in connective tissues, such as cartilage and the lining of blood vessels. Because it is an autoimmune disorder, it can affect many systems, including the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, and the central nervous system.

Symptoms

  • General: Extreme fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
  • Musculoskeletal: Joint pain and muscle weakness.
  • Skin: A characteristic "butterfly rash" across the cheeks and nose, hair loss (alopecia), and mouth or nose sores.
  • Organ Involvement: Kidney disease (nephritis), heart inflammation (pericarditis), and neurological issues such as seizures or cognitive impairment.

Causes & Risk Factors

SLE is a complex disorder involving multiple genetic and environmental factors. Most associated genes are involved in immune system function. Environmental triggers may include:

  • Viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus).
  • Exposure to sunlight.
  • Stress and diet.
  • Chemical exposures or specific drug use.

In SLE, cells undergoing self-destruction are not cleared away properly, which may cause the immune system to react inappropriately against the body's own tissues.

Inheritance

SLE tends to run in families, but the inheritance pattern is usually unknown. Most individuals inherit a susceptibility to the condition rather than the disease itself. A rare, inherited form of SLE follows an autosomal recessive pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before initiating most lupus drugs, doctors typically order a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia or low white cells, liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) to assess hepatic safety, renal panel (creatinine, BUN, urinalysis) to gauge kidney involvement, and baseline complement levels (C3, C4) and anti‑dsDNA antibodies to monitor disease activity. For drugs like cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate, additional tests such as pregnancy screening and viral hepatitis serologies may be required.
Lupus joint pain often comes with swelling, warmth, and stiffness that is worse in the morning and improves with activity, plus it may be accompanied by a rash, fever, or fatigue. In contrast, osteoarthritis usually feels worse after use and improves with rest, and rheumatoid arthritis often has symmetrical joint involvement and positive rheumatoid factor. If you notice new skin rashes, fever, or a sudden increase in fatigue along with the joint pain, it likely represents a lupus flare and you should contact your rheumatologist.
Consistent sun protection (broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV hours) is crucial because UV light can trigger skin and systemic flares. A balanced diet rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed), antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), and limited processed foods may help control inflammation. Regular low‑impact exercise (walking, swimming) improves fatigue and joint health, while adequate sleep (7‑9 hours) and stress‑reduction techniques (mindfulness, yoga) have been shown to lower flare rates.
Seek emergency care if you develop sudden, severe chest pain or shortness of breath (possible pericarditis or pulmonary embolism), a rapid rise in blood pressure with headache and visual changes (suggesting kidney crisis or hypertensive emergency), new neurological symptoms such as seizures or confusion, or a high fever with a rash that could indicate infection or a severe flare. Also, sudden swelling of the legs with shortness of breath may signal a lupus‑related heart or lung issue that needs immediate evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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