Page 60 - EJMO-9-3

Eurasian Journal of Medicine

and Oncology

REVIEW ARTICLE
Update on systemic lupus erythematosus: A

review

Abdurahman Alloghbi 1 , Yousef Al Obaisi 2 , Hussain Alkhurayb 2 ,
2,4
Amal M Shawabka 3 , and Fahad S. Alshehri *
1 Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
2 Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Administration, Haematology and Immunology Division,
King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
3 Department of Clinical Science, College of Medicine, Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron,
Palestine
4 Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Haematology Division, King Faisal
Medical City for Southern Region, Abha, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune and idiopathic
condition that affects connective tissues. It is characterized by the formation of
autoantibodies, the accumulation of immune complexes, inflammation, and,
ultimately, irreversible organ damage. It can affect individuals of various ages,
ethnicities, and genders. Nonetheless, nearly 90% of newly diagnosed SLE patients
are women of reproductive age. The early mortality associated with SLE is primarily
due to significant disease activity. However, subsequent mortality is linked to chronic
*Corresponding author: illness and the use of immunosuppressive agents. Despite extensive research, the
Fahad S. Alshehri precise etiology of SLE remains partially understood; however, its onset involves
(fasaalshehri@moh.gov.sa) a complex interplay of genetic predispositions, environmental stimuli, hormonal
Citation: Alloghbi A, Al Obaisi Y, factors, and immune system abnormalities. The predominant clinical signs
Alkhurayb H, Shawabka AM include fatigue, fever, weight loss, arthritis, pericarditis, anemia, and pulmonary
Alshehri FS. Update on systemic
lupus erythematosus: A review. complications. Diagnosing SLE requires a combination of clinical evaluations and
Eurasian J Med Oncol. laboratory testing, including antinuclear antibodies and anti-double-stranded DNA
2025;9(3):52-62. antibodies, among others. Managing SLE patients involves various approaches and
doi: 10.36922/EJMO025090042
lifestyle recommendations, including avoiding direct or reflected sunlight. This
Received: February 26, 2025 article presents an updated review of the mortality and pathophysiology of SLE. We
Revised: May 5, 2025 also elucidate the clinical manifestations and the primary diagnostic and therapeutic
strategies for this condition.
Accepted: May 8, 2025
Published online: May 30, 2025
Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus; Clinical manifestations; Mortality, Diagnosis;
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s). Antinuclear antibodies
This is an Open-Access article
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, 1. Introduction
provided the original work is
properly cited. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifaceted autoimmune and idiopathic
1
Publisher’s Note: AccScience disorder that affects the connective tissues. It is characterized by a prolonged pattern
Publishing remains neutral with of relapses and remissions, accompanied by various symptoms. It results in various
regard to jurisdictional claims in 2
published maps and institutional diseases that can range from moderate to severe and potentially life-threatening. The
affiliations. cause of SLE is believed to be influenced by multiple factors. This condition is marked

Volume 9 Issue 3 (2025) 52 doi: 10.36922/EJMO025090042