LUPUS

Lupus

Lupus

Introduction

Understanding lupus (also known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) can be a very difficult task because it is such a complex disease. Lupus can affect different organ systems, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.(Edward, 2006) Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the autoantibodies attack different tissues, which can lead to different manifestations. Lupus occurs 10 times more commonly in women than in men. It usually occurs in people in their 20s and 30s, and people with certain ethnic backgrounds, especially Asian and African American.(Robson, 2007) The etiology of lupus is unknown, but researchers are still investigating the connection between the environment, genetics, and even hormonal factors as possible causes of the disease.(Gaffney, 2005)

Lupus is described as periods of disease activity, which are called relapses, and periods of alleviation, which is called remission. Flares can be triggered by the exposure to ultraviolet rays, which can cause a malar rash. The cause of the rash has to do with the autoantibodies depositing on self-antigen creating immune complexes deposited in the epidermis, triggering inflammation, which ultimately recruit other immunoregulatory cells. These immunoregulatory cells can release proinflammatory cytokines that can induce tissue damage or cause deposition of immune complexes.(Edward, 2006) This can manifest as malar rash or rash anywhere on the body, severe arthralgias, persistent weakness, involuntary weight loss, involuntary hair loss, high fever, and blood in the urine, to name a few.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most widespread pattern of lupus. "Systemic" means it can affect  some components of the body. Asubtype of SLE is drug-induced lupus. Some medications uncommonly used for high body-fluid pressure, heart disease and tuberculosis can cause this condition. (Robson, 2007)

The diagnosis of lupus is not accomplished by one particular test but by a group of laboratory tests and a thorough medical history. A complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), urinalysis (UA), blood chemistries, and complement levels are helpful tools in the diagnosis of lupus. Other diagnostic tools for lupus that are invasive include, but not limited to, biopsies of the skin and kidney.(Edward, 2006) A primary care physician may be faced with treating a patient's acute flares or exacerbations of lupus, but more effective management may occur with the help of a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a physician specializing in inflammatory disease and autoimmune disorders. The physician's understanding of the disease and its severity is crucial.(Robson, 2007)

Causes and Risk Factors of Lupus

Although the causes of lupus are not absolutely understood, the disease is accepted to result from interplay of genetic, environmental (such as ultraviolet lightweight, stress, infections, certain drugs and chemicals) and hormonal factors. (Gaffney, 2005)

Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune status wherein the immune system harms the healthy tissue and cells in the body. Individuals with lupus display varied symptoms based on the particulars of each case.(Edward, 2006) These symptoms may be gentle in some cases while severe in others. Some widespread and painful lupus symptoms encompass swollen and painful joints along with fatigue and ...