Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

What is systemic lupus erythematosus?

   Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is a chronic inflammatory disease that
can cause inflammation, pain, and tissue damage throughout the body.
   Although some people with SLE have mild symptoms, it is a chronic disease
and can become severe. For most people, ongoing monitoring and treatment can
control symptoms and prevent serious organ damage. Only in rare cases does SLE become life-threatening.
   There are : systemic, discoid/cutaneous, subacute cutaneous, drug-induced
systemic, and neonatal. Systemic (SLE) is the most serious type. There is no known
cure for this disease.

What are SLE symptoms like?

   Systemic lupus erythematosus can take a long time to diagnose, because
symptoms vary widely, and they come and go. Periods of time when symptoms
worsen are called relapses or flares. Periods of time when symptoms improve are
called remissions. SLE symptoms rarely disappear completely.
   The first signs of SLE are usually skin rash (especially with sun exposure), joint
pain, and fatigue. Mouth sores, hair loss, or fevers may also be present.
   Over time, many people with SLE develop neurological symptoms, most
commonly migraine headaches. SLE can also affect the kidneys, heart, lungs,
or blood cells.

What causes SLE?

   SLE has no single known cause. Experts believe that a combination of factors
come together to trigger the autoimmune process. These factors can include predisposition, certain infections and medications, and exposure to environmental elements such as ultraviolet B light, as in sunlight.
   SLE is most common in women who are in their high- stages of life, as during
the childbearing years. While estrogen is thought to strengthen immune system
function, it can in turn worsen an autoimmune disease. Estrogen and similar
hormones have been linked to SLE, though their role is poorly understood.

How is SLE diagnosed?

   There is no single definitive test for SLE. A diagnosis of lupus is made based
on a combination of signs, symptoms, and blood tests. It is easiest to diagnose
SLE if you have typical symptoms and your blood tests positive for antinuclear
antibodies, or ANA. A positive ANA suggests possible autoimmune disease, but
by itself does not confirm a diagnosis of lupus.
   If your medical history and physical examination don't make a strong case for a particular diagnosis, your health professional can test your blood for other signs
of SLE and other similar conditions.

How is SLE treated?

   There is no known cure for SLE. You can control mild to moderate SLE
symptoms with proper self-care, such as appropriate rest, exercise, and
avoidance of sun exposure or antimalarial medication—such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)—can also help manage symptoms.
    If you have severe disease, especially if it involves vital organs, your doctor
may recommend or other medications, such as azathioprine (Imuran),
mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), methotrexate, or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).
These medications suppress the immune system and are referred to as immunosuppressives; the latter two are sometimes referred to as cytotoxic
medications.

Who is affected by lupus?

   Lupus is most common in women between the ages of 15 and 40.
   The number of people who have lupus varies widely among different countries
and among different populations within countries.
         • A recent study found the overall prevalence rate of lupus to be just over
         • 1 per 1,000 people. In the United States, lupus occurs most frequently
           among Asians in Hawaii, blacks of Caribbean origin
           (more so than African-Americans), and Native Americans of Sioux,
           Arapahoe, and Crow origin.
   Lupus affects different age groups at different rates. The majority of people with
lupus develop the disease between ages 16 and 55. Doctors are much more aware
of lupus now than in the past. Because of this, they are more likely to detect milder
forms of the disease.

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