Which symptom is commonly seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

Fatigue and weight loss are classic symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems, leading to a range of systemic symptoms. Fatigue is particularly common in SLE and may be multifactorial, stemming from chronic inflammation, autoimmune activity, and possibly anemia. Weight loss, often resulting from a combination of factors such as altered metabolism and nutritional deficiencies due to increased energy expenditure or loss of appetite, can also be observed in patients with this condition.

While deforming arthritis may occur in SLE, it generally does not lead to the same level of deformity as seen in other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic cough could be noted if there is pulmonary involvement, which is less common as a primary symptom. Elevated blood pressure can occur in patients, particularly if there is renal involvement, but is not a defining symptom of SLE itself. Thus, fatigue and weight loss are more characteristic of the systemic nature of the disease and reflect the overall impact on the patient's well-being.