title: Systemic lupus erythmatosus - When to consider and management options.
abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by multi-system manifestations. It is regarded as the prototypal connective tissue disease, where the key pathogenesis relates to a dysfunctional immune system that results in over-production of various autoantibodies. Most of its pathology is mediated by either direct or indirect effects of these autoantibodies, as well as other components of the innate and adaptive immune systems.
authors.affiliation: B BiomedSci, MBBS, Rheumatology Registrar, Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Apostolopoulos
authors.forename: Alberta Yik-Bun
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Hoi
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001168:Arthritis / Q000209:etiology; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000378:metabolism; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000378:metabolism; D005076:Exanthema / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000209:etiology; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013256:Steroids