Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a kind of autoimmune disorder. It has the potential to affect areas throughout the patient's body. Sometimes, the condition is referred to simply as lupus.

Symptoms

Medical symptoms that can appear in a case of SLE are numerous. Since its symptoms are often similar to those of many other conditions, it is one of the diseases that given the nickname "the great imitator." A butterfly rash is the classic sign of the condition, and anywhere from 30 to 50 percent of patients with SLE get it. Other dermatological symptoms can also be present. Up to 50 percent of people with systemic lupus erythematosus end up developing anemia, which is a situation where the level of red blood cells is abnormally low. Neurological symptoms are common, including headaches, polyneuropathy, and others. Fatigue may also be seen in a patient with this disorder.

Causes

It is thought that lupus has no one particular cause, but that triggers based on environmental factors exist, and that genetics may be involved in development of the condition. Despite this, there is no single gene that has been noted to lead to SLE, but it is thought that more than one gene affects the incidence of this condition. The disorder does run in families. As for environmental factors, nothing has been conclusively linked to lupus. Some things that people have brought up as possibilities include certain bacteria and viruses, silicone breast implants, and lipstick use.

Diagnosis

A doctor or medical professional is the one who makes a diagnosis of lupus. Testing involving ANA and anti-ENA is typically used. These two acronyms stand for, respectively, antinuclear antibody and anti-extractable nuclear antigen. In the past, testing was done for LE cells, but this method is no longer frequently used since a good percentage of SLE patients don't display this cell in testing, and it is also found in patients with some other medical conditions.

Treatment

Systemic lupus erythematosus is not a curable disease, however, it can be managed and treated. Generally, treatment is used to try to reduce the incidence of episodes, and to shorten their length and severity when they do occur. Medicine is one treatment option, and this includes medications that relieve pain, as well as those that attempt to control the disease. Lifestyle changes can also be used, particularly staying out of sunlight, which can worsen the disorder.

Read about other medical reasons for enlarged lymph nodes, or return to the home page for more information on lymphadenopathy.