What is SLE? |
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, auto-immune disease of unknown cause where the patient’s body makes large quantities of blood proteins called anti-bodies that react against the person’s own tissues. History Lupus is the Latin word for wolf. Erythematosus means red rashes. In 1851, Dr. Cazenave discovered red rashes on a patient’s face that looked like wolf bites. He named the rash Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE). In 1885, Sir William Osler recognised that many people with lupus had a disease involving not only the skin but many other organs or systems. He named the disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Types of Lupus Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Statistics About 90% of SLE sufferers are women while about 10% are men and children. Ratio of SLE sufferers : In Malaysia, it is estimated that more than 10,000 people have been diagnosed with SLE over the past 30 years. However, this number may be only the tip of the iceberg. The Malaysian SLE Association believes that there are many more SLE sufferers in Malaysia who have not been diagnosed. |