Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: predictive biomarker, detection and role of new autoantibodies and multidisciplinary study of subclinical cardiovascular disorders.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a complex and not completely known pathogenesis. The interaction between genetic susceptibility, hormones and environmental stimuli could lead towards a dysregulation of the immune system with the production of circulating autoantibodies and immunocomplexes. The onset of the full-blown clinical disease is often preceded by a period of asymptomatic autoimmunity evidenced by the presence of anti-nuclear and other autoantibodies, which however, have low predictive value for development of clinical SLE. The main aim of treatment is to control inflammatory disease activity and prevent flares of disease. The mortality and morbidity associated with SLE have improved significantly over the past 50 years owing to introduction of treatments such as corticosteroids, antimalarial agents, immunosuppressive drugs and more recently, biological agents. However, increased morbidity and mortality risks persist in SLE compared to general populations, and patients with SLE frequently develop irreversible organ damage accrual indicating that several unmet needs are still present among SLE patients.