SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (LUPUS) CAUSES | SYMPTOMS | DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENTS

WHAT IS SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS?

An autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies (autoantibodies) to cells and tissues within the body; leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

Joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels are most often affected.

CAUSES OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

The exact cause of SLE isn’t known, but several factors have been associated with the disease.1) GeneticsThe disease isn’t linked to a certain gene, but people with lupus often have family members with other autoimmune conditions. 2) EnvironmentEnvironmental triggers can include: ultraviolet rays certain medications viruses physical or emotional stress trauma

CAUSES CONTINUE…3) Sex and hormonesSLE affects women more than men. Women also may experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy and with their menstrual periods. Both of these observations have led some medical professionals to believe that the female hormone estrogen may play a role in causing SLE. However, more research is still needed to prove this theory.

SYMPTOMS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

The most common signs and symptoms include: Fatigue and fever Joint pain, stiffness and swelling Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the

cheeks and bridge of the nose Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun

exposure (photosensitivity) Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when

exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Reynaud’s phenomenon)

Shortness of breath Chest pain Dry eyes Headaches, confusion and memory loss

DIAGNOSIS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUSDiagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms vary considerably from person to person. Signs and symptoms of lupus may vary over time and overlap with those of many other disorders. No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and physical examination findings leads to the diagnosis.

Laboratory and imaging tests include: Complete blood count Erythrocyte sedimentation rate Kidney and liver assessment Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test Chest X-ray Echocardiogram Urinalysis

TREATMENTS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), may be used to treat pain, swelling and fever associated with lupus. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription. Side effects of NSAIDs include stomach bleeding, kidney problems and an increased risk of heart problems.

Antimalarial drugs: Medications commonly used to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), also can help control lupus. Side effects can include stomach upset and, very rarely, damage to the retina of the eye.

TREATMENTS CONTINUE…Corticosteroids: Prednisone and other types of corticosteroids can counter the inflammation of lupus but often produce long-term side effects - including weight gain, easy bruising, thinning bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of infection. The risk of side effects increases with higher doses and longer term therapy.

Immunosuppressant: Drugs that suppress the immune system may be helpful in serious cases of lupus. Examples include azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (CellCept), leflunomide (Arava) and methotrexate (Trexall).

PREVENTIONS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

There is currently no way to prevent lupus. But people who smoke may be more likely to get lupus. Avoiding smoking and perhaps other tobacco products may decrease your risk.

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