Manage Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

• General signs and symptoms observed in SLE include fever, fatigue, and weight loss. The skin, musculoskeletal system, and pulmonary system are primarily affected.
• SLE patients who report symptoms involving the skin most commonly have a red rash on the nose and cheeks following exposure to the sun. This “butterfly” rash is identified in a significant number of SLE patients at some point during the disease course.
• Patients experiencing photosensitivity reactions also report skin rashes on other areas of the body that were exposed to the sun. 
• Other symptoms associated with skin manifestations include alopecia, Reynaud’s phenomenon, and sores in the mouth or nose. 
• Musculoskeletal involvement includes arthralgias, myalgias, and/or arthritis. Arthritis can affect any minor or major joints, commonly presenting as painful, stiff joints accompanied by either occasional or persistent inflammation.
• Patients with pulmonary symptoms report painful breathing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Pleural effusion and pulmonary hypertension.
• SLE also affects the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, and hematological systems, as well as the central nervous system (CNS). Cardiovascular effects often include pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis, and coronary artery disease.
• SLE patients with CNS manifestations may experience headaches, depression, anxiety, seizures, stroke, or cognitive impairment.
• Renal involvement in SLE typically results in diminished kidney function, which may result in elevated serum creatinine levels and proteinuria.