Autoimmunity in Sisters of Lupus Patients

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation
and is accompanied by the development of autoantibodies. The inflammation caused by SLE may
affect the skin, joints, lungs, blood, kidneys and nervous system. The cause of SLE is
unknown, but research has indicated that it is caused by a combination of genetic and
environmental factors.

Autoimmune diseases often run in families. Close relatives of people with these diseases are
at greater risk of developing the same or another autoimmune disease. The study is designed
to determine several things: If sisters of people with SLE make the same antibodies that are
present in people with SLE, whether or not environmental factors affect the chances of
developing these antibodies and if so what these environmental factors may be, if the
presence of these antibodies in healthy people leads to increased risk for the development
of SLE.

This study enrolled over 400 unaffected sisters of young women diagnosed with SLE. These
unaffected sisters are being followed with an annual health questionnaire (CSQ) and blood
sample.

Participation is voluntary and participants can stop participating at any time.

Sister Diagnosed with SLE:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Proband must be a female and have documented SLE that meets ACR criteria. SLE must be
diagnosed by and including age 40.

2. Proband must have at least one biological sister ≥ 10 years of age and ≤ 45 who is
available and willing to donate a blood sample and enroll in a longitudinal study.
Both full and half siblings qualify.

Exclusion Criteria:

If inclusion criteria above are met for the proband, there are no exclusions.

Sister who does not have SLE:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Female with a full or half sister who has been documented SLE that meets ACR
criteria.

2. Sister must be currently between ages ≥ 10 and ≤ 45 at the time of enrollment and not
have a diagnosis of SLE.

3. Sister must be able to complete questionnaires and should be willing to donate a
blood sample at baseline and follow-up.

4. Sister should communicate to the recruiter that she is willing to be followed for a
period of at least two years by phone and/or internet.

Exclusion Criteria:

If Sister meets inclusion criteria, there will be no exclusions.