SSB and systemic lupus erythematosus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prototypical autoimmune connective tissue disease, is characterized by the production of a wide range of autoantibodies, including anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs), anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA), anti-Sm/RNP, and anti-Ro/La, as well as complement depletion.583 Autoimmune-related inflammation leading to vascular injury and subsequent cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE.