Lupus

Lupus

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease that affects the connective tissue characterized by inflammation and tissue damage mediated by the immune system, specifically due to binding of antibodies to the body's cells and deposition of complex antigen-antibody. The May 10 marks the World Day of this disease.

Lupus can affect any part of the body, although the most common sites are the reproductive tract, the joints, the skin, the lungs, the blood vessels, the kidneys, the liver (the first organ that usually attacks) and the nervous system. The disease course is unpredictable, with periods of crisis alternating with remission (Carson-DeWitt, 2002).

Discussion

Epidemiology

The prevalence in the general population, depending on the area, is between 4 and 250 cases per 100,000 populations. However, these statistics vary across the world, found in North America, Asia and northern Europe affects 7 out of 100,000 inhabitants, with a higher incidence among Hispanics and African Americans. It affects 1 in 4000 people in the U.S., and women suffer from 5 to 15 times more often than men.

Etiology

The exact cause of the disease is unknown, and no consensus on whether it is a single event or a group of related diseases. However, it is an autoimmune disease different factors that can influence the immune system and cause lupus. Several hypotheses are assumed, including genetic and environmental. Exposure to sunlight also may be a factor provoking the pathology. In fact, many people with lupus have photosensitivity to ultraviolet rays (Ferrara, 2010). 

Diagnosis

Symptoms vary greatly from person to person, since the disease can affect almost all organs and body tissues. Usually the disease is manifested by some of the following symptoms may occur suddenly or gradually.

Nonspecific symptoms

Extreme fatigue

Unexplained weight loss and continued weight gain or due to water retention

Unexplained bouts of fever.

Swollen glands.

Specific symptoms

Pain (arthralgia), stiffness and swelling in the joints. These are the most common manifestations of lupus.

A red patch on the upper cheeks and bridge of the nose shape of butterfly wings.

High sensitivity to sunlight, which is manifested by red rashes that occur on areas of skin exposed to sun, especially the hands, chest, elbows.

Small sores (ulcers) painless into ...