Lupus erythematosus

Lupus erythematosus (also known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies are created against the patient's own DNA. It is named for the Latin lupus, meaning "wolf," due to the butterfly-shaped rash that the disease classically creates on the cheek which medieval people believed to resemble a wolf bite.

Epidemiology

Although SLE can occur in anyone at any age, it is most common in women of childbearing age. It affects one in 4000 people in the United States, with women suffering five to nine times more often than men. The disease appears to be more prevalent in women of African and Hispanic origin but this may be due to socioeconomic factors. People with relatives who suffer from SLE, rheumatoid arthritis or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are at higher risk than the general population.

Related Topics:
Rheumatoid arthritis - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~