Changes

Clinical signs depend on the tissues and organ systems affected by the condition. A combination of the following signs may be seen:

Clinical signs depend on the tissues and organ systems affected by the condition. A combination of the following signs may be seen:

* Immune-medated haemolytic anaemia

* Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia

* Immune-mediated throbocytopenia

* Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia

* Polyarthritis

* Polyarthritis

* Glomerulonephritis

* Glomerulonephritis

Diagnosis of SLE is made on a combination of clinical findings, haemotologic, serum biochemistry and immunogical testing results. Diagnosis can be challenging as the condition can mimic a number of other diseases. Ruling out differential diagnoses will help in securing a deffinitive diagnosis.  

Diagnosis of SLE is made on a combination of clinical findings, haemotologic, serum biochemistry and immunological testing results. Diagnosis can be challenging as the condition can mimic a number of other diseases. Ruling out differential diagnoses will help in securing a definitive diagnosis.  

===Laboratory Tests===

===Laboratory Tests===

A positive antnuclear antibody (ANA) test is supportive of a dianosis of SLE.  

A positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is supportive of a diagnosis of SLE.  

   

   

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment is with immunosuppressive drugs. Corticosteroids are the most widely used immunosuppresives, predinoslone or dexamethasone is used alone or in combination with azothioprine or cyclophosphamide in more sereve cases. Typically the dose can be tapered once the condtion is under control.   

Treatment is with immunosuppressive drugs. Corticosteroids are the most widely used immunosuppresive drugs, prednisolone or dexamethasone is used alone or in combination with azathioprine or cyclophosphamide in more severe cases. Typically the dose can be tapered once the condition is under control.   

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==