Systemic lupus erythematosus - 2006 update

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease most frequently presenting as photosensitive rash, polyarthritis, or renal disease. It represents the tip of the iceberg of autoimmunity. Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) occurs in 10% or more of normal young women (but 96% or more of patients with SLE). Localized autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune thyroid disease, juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus, Sjogren syndrome, and others Occur in approximately 10% of the population. Systemic autoimmunity, however, is rarer. Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) may occur in as many as 5% of Women, but usually does not progress over time into true SLE. SLE remains one of the most fascinating and enigmatic of the autoimmune diseases and a constant challenge to rheumatologists and other specialists.