Progression of Autoimmunity During Puberty in Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE)

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Sponsor: Indiana University

Location(s): United States

Description

Lupus affects women more frequently than men, and often begins or worsens at puberty. This implies that female sex hormones are important in SLE, but women with SLE who take estrogen supplements only have mild worsening in disease activity. This study will examine disease activity in children whose SLE began before puberty, to define which hormone(s) is important in exacerbating disease activity during puberty, and what the immune effects of hormone changes in puberty are.