Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: what a clinician should know
Keywords:
Systemic lupus erythematosus, clinical practice, classification criteria, current treatmentAbstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a chronic, autoimmune, systemic disease characterized by its clinical heterogeneity, unpredictable course and periods of sharpness. New classification criteria drawn up by the association between the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) were published in 2019 and allow for early and more accurate detection. Several endotypes of the disease have been recognized over the years. There is progressive identification of mild cases in their presentation, but almost half of these progress estheless to more severe forms. Treatment goals include long-term patient survival, prevention of acute and irreversible chronic damage, and health-related quality of life optimization. Treatment is characterized by high-intensity immunosuppressive therapy to control disease activity, followed by a longer period of less intensive therapy to consolidate response and prevent relapses. The management of associated morbidities, especially infections and atherosclerosis, is of paramount importance.
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