Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a fairly common disease identified by episodes of inflammation and damage to joints, tendons, and various organs. The organs most affected are the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, blood vessels and skin. Lupus affects each individual differently and the effects could be mild to severe depending on the individual. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's healthy cells and tissues (Ohio State, 2009). The main cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed that there are many factors that could contribute to lupus. Lupus is believed to be genetic for many individuals (Ohio State, 2009). If a mother has SLE, her daughter has a 1:40 chance of developing lupus, while her son has a 1:250 chance (Leber, 2009). Environmental problems may be present where the cause in the environment is unknown. SLE can also be caused by some medications. The disease may be present while taking the drug, but disappear when the individual stops taking the drug. Most people who have lupus are women between the ages of late teens and forties. Women are affected three to ten times more likely than men (Ohio State, 2009). African American women are more likely to develop lupus than Caucasian women (Leber, 2009). Human leukocyte antigens are a group of genes on chromosome six. The human leukocyte antigens (HLA) associated with lupus are called DR2 and DR3. A person who has these antigens is most likely to develop lupus, but individuals with different antigens can also develop SLE (Ohio State, 2009). The symptoms of SLE are numerous and vary from individual to individual affected by the disease. Some common symptoms are joint inflammation, Raynaud's phenomenon1, m...... middle of paper ......attempt to treat the physical symptoms of SLE as well as the psychological symptoms. HRQoL, disease activity and disease damage are three different components of lupus and must be measured separately to obtain more accurate results. Measuring the patient's quality of life will help keep them informed about how the disease is affecting them in their daily life. HRQoL varies significantly between individuals and is very important for measuring patient responses to lupus. Fatigue is a widely influential factor in lupus patients and should be included in quality of life studies (McElhone, 2006). Studies have discovered a role for defensins in the pathogenesis of SLE (Froy, 2009). Although, when SLE involves a major organ, the disease can be put into remission with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy, these treatments can cause toxic results (Ntali, 2009).