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SLE is an auto-immune disease (where the body attacks itself), more common in women than in men.
SLE can vary in severity and manifestations. It can affect all body systems ranging from mild symptoms of a rash and sore joints, to serious problems including kidney failure, seizures, inflammation of the heart and brain.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, your Doctor will determine an appropriate treatment course.
The disease is also associated with antiphospholipid syndrome, a condition where an individual may have a tendency toward blood clots and pregnancy problems, including recurrent miscarriages and foetal loss.
The disease is mostly commonly screened through a blood test called an anti-nuclear antibody (ANA). The presence of a positive ANA is not diagnostic of SLE and needs specialist appraisal to determine its clinical significance.