Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosis)

Description

A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. The immune system of patients with an autoimmune disease can't tell the difference between harmful substances and normal ones. The result is an overactive immune response that attacks otherwise healthy cells leading to chronic (long-term) inflammation. Lupus can cause arthritis, skin rash, kidney disease, brain inflammation, heart problems, and severe anemia.

Symptoms

Fever, fatigue, general discomfort, skin rash ("butterfly" rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose affects about half of those with SLE), sensitivity to sunlight, joint pain and swelling, arthritis, swollen glands, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, chest pain with breathing, seizures, psychosis.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests used to diagnose SLE may include autoimmune blood tests, imaging, and a kidney biopsy.

Treatment

There is no cure for lupus. Treatment is given to control symptoms and is given based on the severity of those symptoms. Treatment may include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), corticosteroid creams, an anti-malaria drug (hydroxychloroquine), and/or oral steroids. Severe or life-threatening symptoms (such as hemolytic anemia, extensive heart or lung involvement, kidney disease, or central nervous system involvement) often require cytotoxic medications and other drugs to inhibit the immune system. For more information contact: Lupus Foundation of America: (800)558-0121

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