Systemic lupus erythematosus

The most common disease from the group of systemic connective tissue lesions, but quite rare for children.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, which is based on a genetically determined violation of immune regulation, which determines the formation of autoantibodies to its own proteins and the formation of immune complexes that determine the development of immune inflammation in the tissues of many organs. 

The main symptoms of the disease

• Increase in body temperature (sometimes up to 39-40 °C) for a long time
• Pain in joints and muscles
• Rash on the face, on the body
• Hair loss
• Damage to internal organs (nephritis, pleurisy, carditis, gastritis, gastric ulcer)
• Possible symptoms from the nervous system (dizziness, headaches, epileptic seizures, fainting)

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of SLE is made based on the clinical picture after examination by a rheumatologist and the results of a laboratory examination.

Treatment

Treatment of SLE depends on the activity of the disease and the severity of damage to internal organs. The list of drugs used to treat SLE includes cytostatic and cytotoxic drugs, glucocorticoids, and genetically engineered biological drugs. 

A pediatric patient with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus must be admitted to the clinic for a full examination.