Systemic lupus erythematosus. Recognizing its various presentations.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease that predominantly affects women. Probable causative factors include genetic predisposition, complement deficiencies, persistence of antigen, drugs, and environmental factors. The widely varying presentations of SLE include skin, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neuropsychiatric, systemic, hematologic, and immunologic manifestations. Milder symptoms can be managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antimalarial agents. Corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs are given in more severe disease.