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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Medical Questions » Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
| Name: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus |
| Also known as: Disseminated Lupus Erythematosus; ' Lupus' ; SLE |
| Relatively common inflammatory condition affecting joints, skin, liver, and kidney most commonly, but almost any tissue in the body may be involved. 85% of cases occur in women (usually young), and more common in Negroes than Caucasians. |
Causes of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Auto-immune disorder in which the body inappropriately rejects normal tissue for no known reason. Attacks may be precipitated by stress, some medications or chemicals. There is also a familial tendency. |
Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Common symptoms are arthritis of several joints, a red rash across both cheeks and the bridge of the nose (' butterfly rash' ), rashes on other areas that are exposed to sunlight, mouth ulcers, poorly functioning kidneys and anemia. Additional symptoms may include a fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, weight loss, damaged nails, loss of hair and painfully cold fingers. Less common complaints include conjunctivitis, blurred vision, chest pain, pneumonia, heart failure, belly pain, constipation, depression and convulsions. The symptoms vary significantly from one patient to another, and none will have them all. Many patients are free of symptoms for months before a recurrence. |
Tests for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Specific blood tests can diagnose the condition. |
Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Depends upon the severity of the disease. With mild symptoms, no treatment is required. Sun exposure should be avoided, and all non-essential medications ceased. In severe cases, a wide range of drugs, including steroids, cytotoxic, immunosuppressives and antimalarial may all be used. Regular blood tests follow the course of the condition.
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Complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus of its treatment
After each attack, there is slightly more permanent liver, kidney or heart damage, and eventually these problems accumulate to the point where the disease becomes life-threatening. In rare cases it proceeds relentlessly to death within a relatively short time. |
Likely Outcome of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Very variable course, from a mild arthritic complaint to a rapidly progressive disease. No cure, but with careful management, compliance with treatment, and regular checkups, 90% of patients are alive more than ten years after the diagnosis is made. |
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