Imperial Lupus Centre

The Imperial Lupus Centre provides multi-disciplinary Lupus care to patients in West London. Kidney Specialists work in close collaboration with Rheumatologists and Dermatologists to deliver a highly specialist, patient centred service.

We are at the forefront of research in lupus and autoimmune connective tissue disorders. Our lupus research unit is part of Imperial College London.

What is lupus?

Lupus (also known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) is a disease in which the immune system becomes overactive. The normal immune system, which produces antibodies against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, goes into ‘overdrive’ and produces too many antibodies. It can affect any organ of the body.

It is often mistaken for other conditions, as the symptoms can be wide ranging, including:

• fatigue
• rashes
• joint pain
• kidney disease
• depression

The cause is not known. There is a genetic predisposition, but no virus or infectious cause has been identified, neither is there evidence of a single environmental cause.

The condition is nine times more common in women than in men, and usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 49.

Lupus affects around one in 1,000 people – approximately 30,000 people in the UK.