Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Pathogenesis and Treatment

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a medical condition whereby the body's natural defense system targets the healthy tissues of the body. SLE is caused by a defect of the immune system that may arise due to a genetic susceptibility coupled with an environmental trigger. Vitamin D deficiency is another factor associated with lupus. Genetic studies show that SLE is an oligogenic trait with multiple genes contributing to it. The immune response once triggered produces antibodies against itself, and specifically the proteins in the cell nucleus. Since SLE involves a number of different organ systems and exhibit a multitude of symptoms, its treatment is ideally based on its severity. The treatment of SLE is aimed at preventing flares, reducing the severity of flares and their duration when they occur. Treatment can comprise of anti-malarial drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, analgesics and intravenous immunoglobulins. This book contains some path-breaking studies in systemic lupus erythematosus. Also included in this book is a detailed explanation of the pathogenesis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. The topics covered herein offer the readers new insights in this condition.