Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease seen predominately in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Because the disease varies in severity and can affect major organ systems, patients should be monitored carefully for organ damage and medication toxicity. In this article, Drs Dall'Era and Davis review the diagnosis of SLE as well as its epidemiologic factors and clinical characteristics. The section on therapy constitutes a practical resource for primary care physicians who care for patients with SLE.
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Clinical Trials Center, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, 533 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
