Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Pathogenesis

Abstract

Use the epidemiology and natural history of • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to inform diagnostic and therapeutic decisions Describe and explain the key events in the • pathogenesis of SLE and critically analyse the contribution of genetics, epigenetics, hormonal, and environmental factors to the immune aberrancies found in the disease Explain the key symptoms and signs of the • diseases and the tissue damage associated with SLE State the classification criteria of lupus and their • limitations when used for diagnostic purposes Describe and explain the clinical manifestations • of SLE in the musculoskeletal, dermatological, renal, respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous, gastrointestinal, and haematological systems Evaluate the challenges in the diagnosis and • differential diagnosis of lupus and the pitfalls in the tests used to diagnose and monitor lupus activity Identify important aspects of the disease such • as women’s health issues (ie, contraception and pregnancy) and critical illness Outline the patterns of SLE expression in • specific subsets of patients depending on age, gender, ethnicity, and social class Classify and assess patients according to • the severity of system involvement and use appropriate clinical criteria to stratify patients in terms of the risk of morbidity and mortality George Bertsias, Ricard Cervera, Dimitrios T Boumpas