SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE)

It occurs 10 times more frequently in women than in men and approximately

three times more frequently in the African-American population than in
Caucasians
Pathophysiology
SLE is a result of disturbed immune regulation that causes an exaggerated
production of autoantibodies
 This immunoregulatory disturbance is brought about by some
combination of genetic, hormonal (as evidenced by the usual onset
during the childbearing years), and environmental factors (sunlight,
thermal burns).
 Certain medications, such as hydralazine (Apresoline), procainamide
(Pronestyl), isoniazid (INH), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), and some
antiseizure medications, have been implicated in chemical or drug-
induced SLE.
In SLE, the increase in autoantibody production is thought to result from
abnormal suppressor T-cell function, leading to immune complex deposition
and tissue damage.
 Inflammation stimulates antigens, which in turn stimulate additional
antibodies, and the cycle repeats.