[Systemic lupus erythematosus--myths and dogma]

In this short review, four different aspects of SLE are discussed. The ACR criteria for SLE were established for the differentiation of SLE from other autoimmune diseases and not for the direct diagnosis of SLE. Treatment of SLE is continuously re-evaluated thanks ongoing clinical research. Best clinical practice should be based on experienced and continuous knowledge in the field rather than on dogmatic treatment schemes. SLE is not one disease, but a series of clinical pictures associated into a syndrome. Finally, do not forget that patients with the SLE syndrome suffer almost always from debilitating fatigue.