title: Systemic lupus erythematosus: a review of the disease and treatment options.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an up-to-date review of the etiology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic findings, and treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  
  
  METHODS
  A PubMed search of English language articles using a combination of words: elderly, systemic lupus erythematosus*, late onset systemic lupus erythematosus*, etiology, screening, diagnosis, or treatment to identify original studies, guidelines, and reviews on systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE, and late onset systemic lupus erythematosus, published 2000 to present.
  
  
  METHODS
  Original studies, clinical reviews, references, and guidelines were obtained and evaluated on their clinical relevance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature included guidelines and considerations for the etiology, diagnosis, screening, and management of SLE.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SLE is a chronic autoimmune disorder. It predominantly affects younger women, but can occur in up to 20% of patients 50 years of age or older. SLE affects almost every system in the body, with varying degrees of severity. The diagnosis is based on criteria set by the American College of Rheumatology. Management is individualized and depends on presenting symptoms.
authors: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46028, USA. slgurevitz@hotmail.com
authors: Samuel L
authors: SL
authors: Gurevitz
authors: Jennifer A
authors: JA
authors: Snyder
authors: Eric K
authors: EK
authors: Wessel
authors: Julianne
authors: J
authors: Frey
authors: Bridget A
authors: BA
authors: Williamson
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D024382:Professional Role; D012720:Severity of Illness Index