Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic, autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body, causing the immune system to attack the body’s cells and tissue, and resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. It is characterized by the presence of autoreactive B and T cells and the production of a broad, heterogeneous group of autoantibodies (autoAb); the absence of a unique presentation makes its diagnosis difficult, even for qualified clinicians. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus focuses on providing a practical approach to the assessment and management of patients with this complex, multisystem, autoimmune disease, in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease and its complications. It provides detail on the history and epidemiology of SLE alongside comprehensive sections on clinical features, treatment, and special situations. As well as detailing the challenging management issues of SLE, this title provides an overview of the numerous investigations specific to the condition, assessment of disease activity, symptomatic treatment, patient education, and biologic therapies. A specific section on juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus also provides the practising clinician with the knowledge needed to manage this distinct and aggressive stage of SLE.