Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakes its own cells for intruders, triggering a damaging immune system response. Lupus patients typically experience damage to the kidneys, liver, nerves, blood vessels, heart, skin, lungs and skin. Symptoms of lupus are vague, and include fatigue, joint pain and fever; this can make arriving at the correct diagnosis difficult. Management of the condition involves a wide range of systemic drugs, primarily disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which can limit the damaging immune system response and improve quality of life for patients. Currently, there is no cure for lupus.
