Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with clinical manifestations involving a multitude of tissue sites. This article describes the pathophysiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, and therapy of SLE, and focuses mainly on drugs used in SLE treatment. The reader will be able to identify which pharmacologic agents are used in SLE and list the drugs that are useful for specific clinical manifestations. The reader will also be able to describe the common adverse drug reactions seen from SLE treatment and the potential risks involved with these therapies. Information on expected outcomes from drug therapy that will aid in monitoring patients receiving treatment for SLE is provided.