MedsurgMaster

 What is lupus or SLE? Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE also called lupus is an autoimmune disease involving multiple organs, characterized by a vast array of autoantibodies, particularly antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), in which injury is caused mainly by deposition of immune complexes. Why called lupus? The term "lupus" is derived from the Latin word for "wolf". It was originally used to describe a skin rash that resembles the bite of a wolf. The characteristic rash of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is called a "butterfly rash" because it spreads across the cheeks and bridge of the nose, resembling the wings of a butterfly. However, the term "lupus" is now used to refer to the entire disease, not just the rash. Prevalence of lupus  The prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) varies widely depending on the population and geographic region studied. According to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 136 studies, the global ...