Management of women with systemic lupus erythematosus

With improvements in survival rates for women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the last few decades, the focus has now shifted towards the management of the associated complications. These include cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and early menopause. These co-morbidities are believed to be the result of a complex interplay between the inflammatory process and disease treatment, and they complicate the management. A majority of women with SLE suffer considerable morbidity in the prime of their life. A team of multidisciplinary specialists is required to ensure aggressive and comprehensive management of risk factors, treatment of symptoms and prevention of complications to ensure successful outcomes.