Lupus eritematoso sistémico (I)

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease of multifactorial etiology characterized by aberrant activation of T and B lymphocytes, production of autoantibodies, and immune complex formation, with multisystemic tissue damage. Its prevalence and incidence are higher in women of childbearing age, with a female:male ratio of 9:1. Genetic factors, such as HLA-DR3 and DR15 alleles, and environmental factors, such as ultraviolet radiation and viral infections, contribute to its pathogenesis.

Clinically, SLE presents a heterogeneous spectrum of manifestations including constitutional symptoms, arthritis, nephritis, and hematologic and neuropsychiatric involvement. Renal and cardiovascular complications are the main causes of morbidity and mortality. Its diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical assessment supported by immunological studies. The various classification criteria developed for SLE over the years are useful tools for structuring the clinical assessment and selecting homogeneous populations in research, which can also be used to guide the diagnosis.

An early and accurate diagnosis is crucial, considering that serological abnormalities may precede clinical manifestations by years. The integration of clinical, analytical, and imaging tools together with a multidisciplinary approach allows for optimizing the management and prognosis of SLE.