https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13710
Chronic autoimmune disease that is potentially debilitating and sometimes fatal as the immune system attacks the body’s cells and tissues, with inflammation and tissue damage.
Notes:
- SLE can affect any part of the body, but most often harms the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. The course of the disease is unpredictable, with periods of illness (called flares) alternating with remission. SLE can occur at any age, and is most common in women, particularly of non-European descent.
- The disease is very heterogeneous in clinical expression and serological factors. Autoantibodies directed against nuclear components [antinuclear antibodies (ANA)] are typically detected. Anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, and antiphospholipid antibodies are used as classification criteria.