Rheumatology Rounds at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Aspects of systemic lupus erythematosus: consideration of viral and genetic factors, and remarks on therapy.

The presentation of SLE in one member of a twin pair has provided the background for discussion of genetic and environmental variables involved in the pathogenesis of the syndrome. There are promising leads (developing in parallel with studies in man and in NZB mice) suggesting that SLE results from the interaction of genetic factors with an etiologic stimulus provided by type-C RNA viruses. The principles of management of SLE have been reviewed briefly.