Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease in which abnormal antibodies directed against healthy tissues and organs cause disease and damage. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many organ systems, including skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

Systemic lupus is a heterogeneous disease affecting people in different ways. For some, lupus can be mild and limited — for others, it may cause disease and damage in critical organs and may be life threatening.

Most people with lupus have disease characterized by episodes or flares when signs and symptoms worsen for a while, then improve or even disappear completely for a time.

It is estimated that there are 1,5 million of people in the US living with lupus.

For more information refer to www.lupus.org