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Lupus/Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
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What Is It?
What Are the Symptoms?
What Causes It?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Who Is At Risk?
Resources and Suggestions
More Information About Lupus
Información
en Español
What Is It?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (sis-TEM-ick LOO-pus err-ah-theme-ahTOE-sus) is a chronic
(long-lasting) rheumatic disease which affects joints, muscles and other parts of the
body. Lupus involves inflammation (the immune system's response to kill foreign agents,
virus, bacteria). Systemic lupus erythematosus involves chronic inflammation that can
affect many parts of the body, including:
- Heart
- Lungs
- Skin
- Joints
- Blood-forming organs
- Kidneys
- Nervous system
There are several types of lupus:
- Discoid lupus affects the skin.
- Drug-induced lupus occurs because of a reaction to drugs. Symptoms, however, disappear
once the drugs are discontinued.
- Crossover, or overlap, syndromes indicate features that overlap with another rheumatic
disease.
What Are the Symptoms?
The following classification of 11 symptoms helps doctors tell the difference between
people who have lupus and people who have other connective tissue disorders:
- Malar (MAY-lar) rash (a butterfly shaped rash over the cheeks and across the bridge of
the nose)
- Discoid rash (scaly, disk-shaped sores on the face, neck and/or chest)
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Oral ulcers
- Arthritis (pain, stiffness in joints)
- Serositis (inflammation of the lining around the heart, lungs, and/or abdomen, causing
pain and shortness of breath)
- Kidney problems (protein leak)
- Central nervous system problems
- Blood problems (anemia)
- Problems with the immune system (risk of infection)
- Antinuclear antibodies (autoantibodies that react against the body's own cells)
Other symptoms include:
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Skin rash
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Swollen glands Lack of appetite
- Sensitivity to cold (Raynaud's phenomenon)
- Weight loss
What Causes It?
The cause is unknown.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Lupus is sometimes difficult to diagnose because there is no single set of symptoms. A
physical exam and a blood test can detect a group of antibodies found in the blood of
almost all people with lupus. Some other lab tests include:
- A compliment test (C3, C4, CH50, CH100) measures the amount of complementary proteins
circulating in the blood.
- A sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) may be used to measure
inflammation levels.
- A urine analysis issued to detect kidney problems.
- Chest X-rays may be taken to detect lung damage.
- An EKG can detect heart problems.
Treatment Options
- Medications: aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, Antimalarial drugs,
Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants
- Exercise
- Diet/rest
- Skin/sun protection
Who Is At Risk?
- Lupus affects women about 8 to 10 times as often as men and often occurs around the ages
of 18 to 45.
- Lupus occurs more often in African Americans.
- Lupus can occur in
young children or in older people.
- Studies suggest that certain people may inherit the tendency to get lupus. New cases of
lupus are more common in families where one member already has the disease.
More
Information About Lupus
Resources and Suggestions
We Also Suggest:
- Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
- Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.
- Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
- Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
- Arthritis Today Drug Guide
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
- Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
- Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
- How to Care for Yourself
- Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.
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