Slideshow
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Systemic lupus erythematous_0912 Slideshow
The course of clinical illness in SLE can range from subtle to dramatic and is determined by the interplay between susceptibility genes and environmental triggers. Researchers know that lupus autoantibodies are present up to five years prior to development of clinical disease, with onset occurring once genetic load is sufficient and immune triggers present themselves. Serologic presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is widely considered the first and most appropriate confirmatory test for SLE,
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Fatigue_0912 Slideshow
Lupus often presents with nonspecific signs and symptoms, including fatigue, fever with no other cause, chest pain when taking a deep breath, general discomfort, and uneasiness or malaise.
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SLE risk populations_0912 Slideshows
The preponderance of SLE disease burden is among young black and Hispanic women in their 20s and 30s, followed by Native American women. However, SLE can also affect white women, and men -- with the disease being especially severe in black and Hispanic men.
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UV sensitivity_0912 Slideshow
Exposure to UV radiation from the sun causes disease flares, as shown here, in approximately 70% of patients with SLE. In addition to photosensitive rashes, polyarthritis (not mere arthralgias) of the hands and nephritis are among the SLE symptoms often noticed first.
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Malar rash_0912 Slideshow
A butterfly-shaped rash (partially seen here) over the cheeks and bridge of the nose is characteristic feature noted in diagnostic criteria.
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Raynaud’s phenomenon _0912 Slideshow
When the skin is affected, patchy skin color is common, and some patients develop Raynaud’s phenomenon (pictured here), in which the fingers change color when cold.
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Discoid lupus_0912 Slideshow
Discoid lupus, pictured here, is a chronic rash typically found on the face and scalp that has characteristic skin findings and is generally negative on antinuclear antibody tests. Fewer than 5% of cases progress to SLE.
