It is 9 times more common in Afro-Caribbeans and Asians than in white patients. The people most affected are women of child bearing age. Severe fatigue is the major symptom, with skin rash, sensitivity to ultra-violet light and generalised joint pain. Internal organs that can be affected include kidneys, lungs, heart and brain. There is no cure.
Treatment is limited to controlling symptoms.
The disease commonly regresses and 'flares'.