On this page: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus This booklet is for
people who have systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called
SLE or lupus, as well as for their family and friends and others
who want to better understand the disease. The booklet describes
the disease and its symptoms and contains information about
diagnosis and treatment as well as current research efforts
supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and other components
of the Department of Health and Human Services' National
Institutes of Health (NIH). It also discusses issues such as
health care, pregnancy, and quality of life for people with
lupus. If you have further questions after reading this booklet,
you may wish to discuss them with your doctor. Return to top
Lupus is one of many disorders of the immune system known as
autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system
turns against parts of the body it is designed to protect. This
leads to inflammation and damage to vario