[Systemic lupus erythematosus-pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that predominantly affects women. The disease often manifests through nonspecific symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and arthralgia; the skin and kidneys are also frequently affected. Management is guided by the treat-to-target (T2T) principle, with the goal of achieving a state of remission as quickly as possible. An increasing selection of medications is available for this purpose, the use of which is further detailed in the new S3 guideline on SLE and in new international recommendations. The objective of this article is to convey the central aspects concerning the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of SLE and to reduce uncertainties in dealing with affected patients.