LUPUS FAST FACTS

LUPUS-FAST FACTS

Systemic lupus erythematosus, also commonly referred to as lupus or SLE, a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease. Lupus can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system and other prgans of the body. It is not uncommon for symptoms associated with lupus to resemble symptoms associated with other types of arthritis and rheumatic disease, making lupus difficult to diagnose.

Several types of lupus exist:

Systemic lupus erthematosus
Discoid lupus
Subacute cutaneous lupus rythematosus
Drug-induced lupus
Neonatal lupus

Causes of Lupus:

It is known that lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks a person's own cells and tissues. The reason for the immune system malfunction is not completely understood but as is the case with rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and other autoimmune diseases, it is thought to involve genetic factors and environmental factors.

Symptoms Associated With Lupus:

Symptoms which help doctors differentiate lupus from other rheumatic diseases include:

A butterfly-shaped rash appearing on the cheeks and over the bridge of the nose (malar rash)
Scaly sores appearing on the face, neck, and chest (discoid rash)
Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunllight)
Mouth ulcers
Arthritis pain and joint stiffness
Srositis-inflammation of tissues which line the lungs, heart, abdomen, and internal organs
Kidney problems
Central nervous system abnormalities
Blood abnormalities
Antinuclear antibodies
Immune system problems

Fatigue, fever, swollen glands and weight loss may occur with lupus.

Diagnosis of Lupus:

There is no single test used to diagnose lupus. Diagnosis is based on a combination of factors (clinical symptoms, blood tests, and medical history) which together provide evidence of abnormalities in several organ systems. Laboratory tests and x-rays are used to confirm the diagnosis of lupus.

Besides abnormalities which may be revealed through routine blood counts, chemistry tests, and urinalysis, tests which are specifically relevant to lupus include:

Sedimentation rate and CRP
Antinuclear antibody test
Specific antibodies (anti-dsDNA, anti-smith, and anti-phosphollpid)
Complement test

Treatment of Lupus:

Treatment of lupus depends on the severity of symptoms and organ symptoms involved. NSAIDS (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs) are commonly prescribed to control inflammation. Plaquenil which is used as a DMARD (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug) is another commonly prescribed medication used to treat lupus, as are other immunosuppressants) including Imuran, Cytoxan, cyclosporine, and CellCept.

Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) are also used to treat the condition:

Studies are currently ongoing which are testing the effectiveness of new treatments for lupus, most of which are monoclonal antibodies.

Prevalence of Lupus:

Lupus affects l0 times more women than men. Though lupus can develop at any age, disease onset usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 45 years old. African-Americans and Asians have a higher risk of developing lupus than people of other radical or ethnic backgrounds. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans have one of the types of lupus, but that estimate actually may be low.

Points of Interest About Lupus:

Systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE), as its name suggests, can involve multiple organ systems and is the most serious type.
Discoid lupus erythematosus affects only the skin and does not involve other organ systems.
Drug-induced lupus is caused by a reaction to certain prescription medications. Symptoms resemble SLE but it does not affect the central nervous system or kidneys.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus causes skin lesions to appear on parts of the body exposed to sun.
Neonatal lupus is a rare disease which affects newborn babies.
Nearly all lupus patients are positive for antinuclear antibodies.

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