Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause that can affect virtually every organ and occurs primarily in young women of childbearing age. It can run a varied clinical course, ranging from a relatively benign illness to a rapidly progressive disease with fulminant organ failure and death. 

Establishing the diagnosis of SLE may be challenging. There's far more undiagnosed lupus out there being 'put up with' and we have to increase awareness hugely if these people are to be diagnosed and then get some quality back into their lives. Lupus is usually 'for life' at present, having an ongoing impact upon the patient and also upon her or his parents, children, friends and colleagues.

Lupus UK is a national charity helping people with the presently incurable immune system illness lupus. They support some 6,000 members through their Regional Groups and advise many others on the symptoms prior to diagnosis. Lupus UK also supports scientists and medical doctors that work hard to find new treatments for lupus.