Lupus is an inflammatory autoimmune illness, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. Lupus can affect virtually any part of the body, although it most commonly affects the skin, joints and kidneys.
The symptoms of lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (or SLE), can range from mild to life-threatening. It can result in significant disability, economic burden and lower quality of life.
Lupus most commonly affects women of childbearing age and is among the top ten causes of death for young women in the United States.
