الفهرس 
Systemic Lupus ErythematosusOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystem chronic
autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production
directed against nuclear antigens. There is a diversity of
autoantibodies of which those against nuclear antigens typically
predominate immune complex formation and complement
activation, and leucocyte emigration and activation. A complex
interaction of genetics, environment, and hormones leads to immune
dysregulation and breakdown of tolerance to self-antigens, resulting
in autoantibody production, inflammation, and destruction of organs.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease
which affects multiple organs such as skin, mucosa,
musculoskeletal, renal, neurologic, cardiac, pulmonary, and
gastrointestinal systems. Although childhood disease is similar to
that in adults, the course and severity may differ. Severe
involvements such as renal, neurological, and hematological are
more common during childhood.
About cardiac affection pathohistological studies in autopsy
series of SLE patients have revealed a prevalence of myocarditis
ranging from 40% to 78%. However, such a high prevalence is not
observed in clinical practice, suggesting that the process of
myocardial inflammation in SLE patients is insidious and slow
paced. In the absence of cardiac symptoms, the deterioration of left
ventricular (LV) function progresses subclinically.
It is well known that right ventricle function could be
affected in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Pulmonary
hypertension (PHT) represents one of the most threatening