Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex and potentially life-threatening disease that affects about 40 per 10,000 people in the general population (Mills 1994, Brown & Schrieber 1996). SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by auto-antibody overproduction and other distinct immunological abnormalities (Boumpas, et al 1995, Mohan & Datta 1995). It may affect the skin, joints, lungs, heart, serous membranes, nervous system or other organs. Improvements in treatment over the last decade have increased 10-year survival rates in Western countries to 90% or more, and 20-year survival rates of nearly 70% have also been reported (Abu-Shakra, et al 1995).