Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a diverse natural history and multisystemic involvement. The pathogenesis is complex and multifactorial due to the formation of autoantibodies. The interplay between environmental factors, genetics, and epigenetics contributes to the relative risk of developing SLE in an individual. Understanding SLE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be especially difficult to diagnose from the perspective of a rheumatologist.
The challenge in diagnosing this condition can be largely contributed to a varied list of non-specific, and fairly common symptoms. Signs like joint pain, swelling, and butterfly (malar) rashes are some of the common criteria for diagnosis. However, a patient can also present with other non-specific symptoms like alopecia, oral ulcers, or hematological changes. Decoding the pathogenesis: The…
