MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Systemic lupus erythematosus

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Systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder which may affect many organ systems including the skin, joints and internal organs. The disease may be mild or severe and life-threatening. African-Americans and Asians are disproportionately affected.

Update Date: 8/22/2006

Updated by: Lisa Christopher-Stine, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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