Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus, SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system attacks various organs or cells of the body causing damage and dysfunction. Lupus is called a multisystem disease because it can affect many different tissues and organs in the body. Some patients with lupus have a very mild condition, which can be treated with simple medications, whereas others can have serious, life-threatening complications. Lupus is more common in women than men, and its peak incidence is after puberty-the reason for this is unknown.



What is lupus nephritis?

Lupus nephritis is an inflammation of the kidney caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease of the immune system. SLE typically causes harm to the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain.

The causes of SLE are unknown. Many factors may play a role, including

·    gender-SLE is more common in women than men

·    heredity-a gene passed down by a parent

·    infections

·    viruses

·    environmental causes

Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) is the most common form of lupus. "Systemic" means it can affect several parts of the body. A subtype of SLE is drug-induced lupus. Some medications uncommonly used for high blood pressure, heart disease and tuberculosis can cause this condition.

What are Neurological Sequelae Of Lupus?

Lupus (also called systemic lupus erythematosus) is a disorder of the immune system. Normally, the immune system protects the body against invading infections and cancers. In lupus, the immune system is over-active and produces increased amounts of abnormal antibodies that attack the body's tissues and organs. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and blood vessels. The signs and symptoms of lupus differ from person to person; the disease can range from mild to life threatening.

What is the outlook?

Some people with lupus have only minor symptoms that need no treatment. Others can have multiple symptoms that are severe.

The course of the disease is different for each person. In some it will disappear completely, for others the condition waxes and wanes or gets progressively worse.

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms and disease pattern varies so much from person to person.

However, there are blood tests available to help spot the condition.

What causes Lupus?

Despite many years of research, the cause of lupus is still not known. Scientists believe there are several things that may trigger the formation of the antibodies, including genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. Some of the possible triggers include:

- Hormones (females between the age of 15 and 45 are most commonly affected)

- Certain medications

- Dietary factors

- Viruses and bacteria

- Stress

- Genetics

- Pregnancy

- Exposure to UV light

Signs and symptoms

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus experience episodes - called "flares" - of worsening signs and symptoms that eventually improve or even disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease.