Author/Authors :
Carrillo, Sharon T. Ochsner Clinic Foundation, USA , Gantz, Emily Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA , Baluch, Amir R. Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants, USA , Kaye, Rachel J. Louisiana State University - School of Medicine - Department of Anesthesiology, USA , Kaye, Alan D. Louisiana State University - School of Medicine - Department of Anesthesiology, USA
Abstract :
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex disorder characterized by dysregulation of pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complexes that leads to multisystem chronic inflammatoryprocesses. SLE is not a rare condition; the estimated prevalence is 100 physician-diagnosed patients per 100,000 people. The disease may present at any age, although it primarily affects women of reproductive ages. The ratio of female to male patients is 9:1. The prevalence of SLE is described as having an ethnic component, with black women affected 3 times more than whites; in addition, blacks and Hispanics are reported to have higher rates of morbidity. Although a classical presentation of SLE has been described, clinically there are many variations of the disease. For example, elderly patients tend to have a less-severe form involving fewer organ systems overall; men usually experience less photosensitivity but have a higher rate of mortality
