Systemic lupus erythematosus - an update.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multisystem autoimmune disease with a relapsing and remitting course.1 In the UK, the prevalence has been estimated as 25 per 100,000, and the annual incidence as 5.3 for females and 0.7 for males per 100,000.2 Mortality rates for people with SLE have improved over the years. Here we update our 1996 review3 on the management of SLE and discuss recent developments, including the use of biological agents.