Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: review of clinical features and management.

879 VOLUME 48__NOVEMBER 17, 2011 Juvenile systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder that is characterized by widespread immune dysregulation, formation of autoantibodies and immune complexes, resulting in inflammation and potential damage to a variety of organs. It is not uncommon for children to present with non-specific symptoms, and little else, and be treated for a presumed infection, including tuberculosis – with subsequent evaluation revealing the diagnosis of lupus, requiring aggressive management. A high index of suspicion must be maintained for the diagnosis of SLE in adolescent children, particularly girls.