Systemic lupus erythematosus, referred to as SLE or lupus, is the most common type of lupus and is a complex chronic (long-term) disease that causes systemic inflammation which affects multiple organs. In addition to affecting the skin and joints, it can affect other organs in the body such as the kidneys, the tissue lining the lungs (pleura), heart (pericardium), and brain.
Connective tissue diseases include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE), polymyositis-dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma or SSc), the various forms of vasculitis, and Sjogren'syndrome. These diseases have a number of features in common.
Connective tissue diseases include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE), polymyositis-dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma or SSc), the various forms of vasculitis, and Sjogren'syndrome. These diseases have a number of features in common.
How is Lupus Diagnosed?
Only a physician can diagnose lupus. Lupus is a chronic and complex disease, and it is also known as "the great imitator" for symptoms that mimic those of other diseases. Generally, SLE is diagnosed when a patient meets four (4) of the following 11 criteria:
The Lupus Research Institute, a partner of the Lupus Foundation of Northern California, has more information on different types of lupus and diagnosis.
- Malar rash: butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
- Discoid (skin) rash: raised red patches
- Photosensitivity: skin rash as result of unusual reaction to sunlight
- Mouth or nose ulcers: usually painless
- Arthritis (nonerosive) in two or more joints, along with tenderness, swelling, or effusion. With nonerosive arthritis, the bones around joints don’t get destroyed.
- Cardio-pulmonary involvement: inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis) and/or lungs (pleuritis)
- Neurologic disorder: seizures and/or psychosis
- Renal (kidney) disorder: excessive protein in the urine, or cellular casts in the urine
- Hematologic (blood) disorder: hemolytic anemia, low white blood cell count, or low platelet count
- Immunologic disorder: antibodies to double stranded DNA, antibodies to Sm, or antibodies to cardiolipin
- Antinuclear antibodies (ANA): a positive test in absence of drugs known to induce it
The Lupus Research Institute, a partner of the Lupus Foundation of Northern California, has more information on different types of lupus and diagnosis.
Lupus Treatment
"Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that often has a relapsing course. The primary therapeutic approach, therefore, is to achieve and maintain adequate suppression of the disease without causing unacceptable drug side effects. " (The following are excerpts from an article entitled Medications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus written by Angela M. Stupi, M.D.) Read in detail.
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Further Reading
Lupus Research Institute on lupus facts and treatment.
Lupus Foundation of Northern California is a member of the LRI National Coalition |
National Institutes of Health Library of Medicine detailed information on lupus. Includes information on clinical trials.
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