Description

SLE, the most common type of lupus, is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

Patient Groups

Molly's Fund
Male Lupus Warriors
Lupus Research Alliance

Prevalence

US Cases: 210,000 - 260,000 [Izmirly 2021]. Note that this is for systemic lupus only (SLE). Many estimates of “lupus” include patients with less severe forms (cutaneous/discoid lupus).

Typical Age of onset

Onset of SLE is usually after puberty, typically in the 20s and 30s, with 20% of all cases diagnosed during the first 2 decades of life.

Symptoms

• Fatigue and fever

• Joint pain, stiffness and swelling

• Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose

• Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure (photosensitivity)

• Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud's phenomenon)

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Dry eyes

Source: Medscape

Resources

Link to Clinical Trials

Link To Scientific Journals

References

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
Mayo Clinic
MedScape