The most prevalent symptoms are joint pain, typically with involvement of multiple small joints throughout the body, fever, weight loss, and fatigue. Other symptoms include inflammation of the lining of the heart and lungs, skin rashes, and acute and chronic renal disease, which can progress to kidney failure.
Anemia is also commonly present.
On occasion, the disorder attacks the central nervous system, creating symptoms of stroke or psychosis. The cause of lupus is unknown. It usually commences between the ages of 20 and 40. Lupus is characterized by a course of exacerbation and remission that may last for many years. Overall prognosis for the disease is good unless there is involvement of the kidneys or central nervous system.