Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an auto-immune condition. The main function of the immune system is to fight infection, viruses and bacteria, and keep the body healthy. But in certain cases the immune system mistakenly attacks the body itself, with detrimental effect. This malfunctioning behaviour leads to auto-immune diseases such as SLE. In SLE many body organs may be affected such as the skin, kidneys, brain, joints and others.
Despite this, a child suffering from lupus may present no symptom other than prolonged fever. Usually the child shows weakness, fatigue and malaise, and may also have oral ulcers, skin rash, rash on the face and joint pain. SLE can be diagnosed after a thorough investigation and a positive anti-nuclear antibody test.