Alberta Hoi, Talia Igel, Chi Chiu Mok, Laurent Arnaud
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease characterised by the presence of autoantibodies towards nuclear antigens, immune complex deposition, and chronic inflammation at classic target organs such as skin, joints, and kidneys. Despite substantial advances in the diagnosis and management of SLE, the burden of disease remains high. It is important to appreciate the typical presentations and the diagnostic process to facilitate early referral and diagnosis for patients. In most patients, constitutional, mucocutaneous, and musculoskeletal symptoms represent the earliest complaints; these symptoms can include fatigue, lupus-specific rash, mouth ulcers, alopecia, joint pain, and myalgia...
April 17, 2024: Lancet