The disease affects 8 times as many women as men. It may occur at any age, but appears mostly in people between the ages of 10 and 50 years. SLE may also be caused by certain drugs. When this occurs, it is known as drug-induced lupus erythematosus and is usually reversible when the medication is stopped. The course of the disease may vary from a mild episodic illness to a severe fatal disease.
Symptoms also vary widely with the individual and are characterized by remissions and exacerbation.
At its onset, only 1 organ system may be involved. Additional organs may become involved later. The following organ system manifestations may be seen, but other manifestations are possible. Musculoskeletal Almost all people with SLE have joint pain and most develop arthritis . Frequently affected joints are the fingers, hands, wrists, and knees.