Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Men: Brief Description of Clinical and Laboratory Findings

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of nuclear autoantibodies, which can cause autoimmune complex formation and inflammation of multiple organs. It is known to affect women more frequently than men and is typically diagnosed during reproductive age, where the female-male ratio has been reported as high as 12:1. The etiology of SLE is not fully understood, but both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers are believed to be involved. Because of the multitude of presentations, manifestations, and serological abnormalities in patients with SLE, diagnosis can be challenging. Chronic discoid lupus and photosensitivity have been found in men with SLE as far as skin findings are concerned, there is less joint involvement in these patients, however, severe systemic findings predominate, such as serositis, pleurisy, central nervous system involvement with the presence of seizures. , thrombotic events and lupus nephropathy of the acute proliferative glomeruonephritis variety, serologically there is no consensus yet, nor in the specific clinical characteristics but the presence of anti-dsDNA anti-Sm antibodies and anticardiolipin antibodies is also frequently found. Therapeutic approaches predominantly involve immunomodulation and immunosuppression and are targeted to be the specific organ manifestation, with the aim of achieving low disease activity. Conclusion: We considered that although male patients with lupus are not commonly seen, the manifestations are life threatening, and timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease will lead to a better outcome for these patients.