Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect virtually any system in the body. Think of it as a 'self-allergy' where the body attacks its own cells and tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and possible organ damage.

Lupus is an extremely common and potentially treatable disease of the immune system. It affects approximately 1 in 1000 women and is more common than diseases such as multiple sclerosis and leukaemia.

The London Lupus Centre Book of Lupus - a patient's guide provides a concise source of information on lupus and the surrounding issues. It will guide the reader through symptoms, causes and treatment of lupus, as well as more specific issues such as lupus in pregnancy, or osteoporosis and lupus.

With a chapter on the 'first cousins' of lupus, namely Sjogren's syndrome, Hughes' syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease, the book is a useful resource not only for the lupus patient, but also for the interested general public and the medical nursing professions.

Professor Graham R. V. Hughes is Head of the London Lupus Centre, UK; a founding member of the national patients' charity 'Lupus UK', and life President; founder and editor of the international journal Lupus.

In 1983, Professor Hughes described the anti-phospholipid syndrome, now known as Hughes' syndrome, for which he was awarded the International League Against Rheumatism prize for research into rheumatic diseases.

Lupus is an extremely common, potentially treatable, disease of the immune system. It affects approximately 1 in 1000 women and is more common than diseases such as multiple sclerosis and leukaemia. Despite this, there is little information concerning the disease in contrast to other illnesses of similar prevalence.

Many people are unaware of the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of lupus. It is important that these topics are highlighted for many reasons. For example, a greater understanding of the symptoms of lupus will enable patients to recognise the symptoms earlier, and get treatment faster; before any serious damage is done. Similarly, awareness of preventative measures may reduce the number of cases of lupus that occur.

From a different perspective, it would be of great use to have an easily accessible source of information available to lupus patients that would highlight issues such as treatment options and sources of support.

In summary, although knowledge of lupus is growing, greater awareness of the disease amongst both patients and the general public is an issue that needs to be addressed.