Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Autoimmune Disease

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a type of autoimmune disease. It is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues and body parts. The symptoms range from mild to severe. Fever, tiredness, painful and swollen joints, red rash on the face, mouth ulcers and swollen lymph nodes are some common symptoms. Genetic and environmental factors are believed to be its causes. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing, anti-extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA) and lupus band test are used for diagnosing it. Treatment methods include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immunosuppressants and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs). This book brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of systemic lupus erythematosus. It will also provide interesting topics for research, which interested readers can take up. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of this disease.