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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease.
This means that your body's defenses against infection
are attacking your own tissue. This causes inflammation.
Areas of the skin or joints become painful, red, and
swollen. Other parts of the body can also become inflamed,
including the muscles, kidneys, nervous system, blood,
lungs, and heart.
SLE, also called lupus, is a serious, chronic disease, which
means it never goes away completely.
Some people have severe, even fatal, cases of lupus, but for
most people symptoms can be controlled. Lupus affects
mainly young women, particularly black women in the US, West
Indian women, and Chinese women.
Cutaneous lupus (also called discoid lupus) is a form of
lupus that affects the skin only. It is milder and more
common than SLE.
How does it occur?
The exact cause of lupus is not known. There may be an
inherited tendency to develop the disease. Like other
autoimmune diseases, attacks of lupus appear to be triggered
by particular things, including viral infection and
sunlight.
Certain drugs may cause some people to have a lupuslike
syndrome called drug-induced lupus. Examples of such drugs
are hydralazine (used to treat high blood pressure) and
procainamide (used to treat abnormal heart rhythms).
What are the symptoms?
Lupus can take many forms and does not affect everyone in the
same way. Some of the more common symptoms are:
- fatigue and weakness
- joint pain and swollen joints
- rashes
- baldness
- sensitivity to sunlight.
You may have symptom-free periods called remissions. Times
when symptoms become more severe are called flare-ups.
How is it diagnosed?
The symptoms of lupus are similar to those of several other
inflammatory conditions. It can be difficult to diagnose.
Your health care provider will examine you carefully.
There is no single test for SLE. Your provider may order
blood tests to check for the presence of lupus antibody.
The most common antibody tests are:
- ANA (antinuclear antibody)
- anti-DNA antibody, or anti-native DNA antibody.
ANA is present (positive) in over 90% of the cases of lupus,
but many people who do not have SLE have a positive ANA.
Anti-DNA is present over 50% of the time in SLE, but often
it is not present even though a person does have SLE. These
test results may change over time. They may go from
negative to positive and the amount of antibody in the blood
may increase.
Your urine may be tested to check for kidney problems.
If you have a rash, your provider may do a skin biopsy. The
biopsy is done by removing a small sample of skin after the
area has been numbed. The piece of skin is checked under a
microscope for signs of lupus.
How is it treated?
Doctors have not yet found a cure, but there are treatments
for your symptoms. Medicines can ease your discomfort.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as
aspirin and ibuprofen, may be prescribed for joint pain
and inflammation.
- Antimalarial drugs (such as hydroxychloroquine, or
Plaquenil) may be used to treat more severe joint or skin
symptoms. (If you take Plaquenil, make sure a doctor
checks your eyes regularly for changes in your vision.)
- Corticosteroid drugs may be prescribed if your symptoms
are especially severe.
You may tire easily because of the lupus, but usually you
will not have to give up your normal activities. Get
regular rest when your disease is active and try to avoid
stress. During remissions, increase your physical activity
to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
Exposure to the sun can worsen skin rashes and other
problems of lupus. Try to avoid outdoor activities during
peak sunlight hours (usually 10 AM to 4 PM). When you are
exposed to sunlight, wear a hat to shield your face. Wear
clothing that covers your arms, legs, and chest. Always use
sunscreen on your skin.
How can I help myself?
- Follow your health care provider's plan for treatment.
- Avoid things that seem to trigger your lupus.
- Discuss all medicines you are taking with your health
care provider, including birth control pills or other
medicines containing estrogen.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay physically active, according to your health care
provider's recommendations.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Learn ways to cope with stress, especially if stress
triggers your symptoms.
- Get treatment for any other illnesses you have.
- See your health care provider promptly if you have new
symptoms.
For more information, contact:
Lupus Foundation of America
1300 Piccard Drive
Suite 200
Rockville, MD 20850-4303
Phone: 800-558-0121 (English), 800-558-0231 (Spanish)
Web site: http://www.lupus.org
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