Systemic lupus erythematosus in hospital patients

A systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flare is a measurable increase in disease activity that results in a change in therapy. The two most common causes of hospitalization for patients with SLE are SLE flare and infection. Infection must be ruled out before attributing symptoms to an SLE flare. Other common causes are thromboembolism, adverse drug reaction, and acute coronary syndrome. The two most common SLE flares are arthritic flares and mucocutaneous flares. All patients with SLE in the hospital should have a urinalysis to check for lupus nephritis or renal flare. Stopping antimalarials may lead to an SLE flare.