|
Please note
that the information you read below is not professional medical advice,
if you think you may have Lupus then you must visit your GP or Rhuematologist
and arrange appropriate testing, I want to make the public aware of
how serious Lupus can be, I know how serious Lupus is, someone very
close to me is a sufferer and that is why I am spreading the word.
Never heard
of Lupus? Then spare a couple of minutes and have a read.
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of
various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and
kidneys. The body's immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies
to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials.
These foreign materials are called antigens. In an autoimmune
disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell
the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells
and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against
"self." These antibodies, called "auto-antibodies,"
react with the "self" antigens to form immune complexes.
The immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation,
injury to tissues, and pain.
Estimates indicate that between 1,400,000 and 2,000,000 people have
been diagnosed with lupus. For most people, lupus is a mild disease
affecting only a few organs.
For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems.
Thousands of people die each year from lupus-related complications.
LUPUS
Q AND A
What
is lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a disease of the immune system.
Normally, the immune system protects the body from infection. However,
in lupus, the immune system inappropriately attacks tissues in various
parts of the body. This abnormal activity of the immune system leads
to tissue damage and illness.
Who
is affected by lupus?
Lupus can affect men and women of any race or age. One in 2,000 people
in the United States has lupus. People of African, Asian and Native
American descent are more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians.
If only women of child-bearing age (14 to 45 years old) are
considered, as many as 1 in 250 may develop lupus. This suggests a
possible role for female hormones influencing vulnerability to this
disease.
What problems may lupus patients develop?
Many patients with active lupus feel poorly in general and complain
of fever, weight loss and tiredness. Patients with lupus also develop
specific problems when the immune system attacks a particular organ(s)
or area(s) in the body.
Specific areas of the body that may be affected during the course
of lupus are illustrated at the right. The blood may also be
affected during the course of lupus, resulting in low red blood cell
count (anemia), low white blood cell count, clotting issues and low
platelet count.
Skin
Skin problems are a common feature of lupus. Some patients with lupus
have a red rash over their cheeks and the bridge of their nose. Because
the location of this rash is the same as the common markings of a
wolf, the name "lupus" (wolf in Latin) was given to this
disease many years ago. Other skin problems that occur include
large red, circular rashes (plaques) which may scar (called discoid
lupus). Skin rashes are usually aggravated by sunlight. Hair loss
and mouth sores are also common.
Joints
Arthritis is very common in people who have lupus. There may be pain,
with or without swelling. Stiffness and pain may be especially evident
in the morning. Arthritis may be a problem for only a few days to
weeks or may be a permanent feature of the disease. Fortunately, arthritis
is usually not crippling.
Kidneys
Kidney involvement in people with lupus is potentially life-threatening
and may occur in up to half of lupus patients. Kidney problems may
become apparent when lupus patients feel ill with arthritis, have
a rash, fever and weight loss. Less often, kidney disease may occur
when there are no other symptoms of lupus. Kidney disease itself usually
does not produce symptoms, until it is in the advanced stages. It
is important that kidney disease be diagnosed early and treated appropriately.
The earliest signs of kidney disease are apparent from a urinalysis.
Blood
Blood involvement can occur with or without other symptoms. Patients
may have dangerous reductions in the number of red blood cells, white
blood cells or platelets (cells that help clot the blood). Sometimes
changes in blood counts may contribute to symptoms of fatigue (low
red blood cell count, anemia), serious infections (low white blood
cell count), or easy bruising (low platelet count). However, many
patients do not have symptoms that indicate blood abnormalities, so
it is important for lupus patients to have periodic blood tests in
order to detect any problems. Blood clots are seen with increased
frequency in lupus. Clots often occur in the legs (a vein clot, called
deep venous thrombosis), lungs (a lung clot, called pulmonary embolus),
or brain (stroke). Blood clots that develop in lupus patients may
be associated with the production of antiphospholipid antibodies.
These antibodies are abnormal proteins which may increase the tendency
of the blood to clot.
Brain
Brain involvement is fortunately a rare problem in people with lupus.
When present, it may cause confusion, depression, seizures and strokes.
Heart and lungs
Heart and lung involvement is often caused by inflammation of the
covering of the heart (pericardium) and lungs (pleura). When these
structures become inflamed, patients may develop chest pain, irregular
heart beat and accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleuritis or
pleurisy) and heart (pericarditis).
What causes lupus?
The cause of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is unknown.
Finding the cause is the object of major research efforts. Factors
that may contribute to the cause of lupus include viruses, environmental
chemicals and the person's genetic makeup. Female hormones are
believed to play a role in the development of lupus because women
are affected more commonly than men. This is especially true of women
during their reproductive years, a time when hormone levels are highest.
The observation that lupus may affect more than one member of the
same family has raised the possibility that the tendency to develop
lupus may be inherited. Having such a tendency, however, does not
predict that a relative will develop lupus. About 10% of lupus patients
have a close relative with lupus.
How is lupus diagnosed?
The diagnosis of lupus is best made by an experienced clinician who
fully understands the disease and other diseases with similar features
that can mimic lupus. The diagnosis is made when a patient has several
features of the disease (including symptoms, findings on examination
and blood test abnormalities). The American College of Rheumatology
has devised criteria to assist clinicians in making the correct diagnosis
of lupus.
Does a positive ANA test mean that I have lupus?
Not necessarily. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is positive in
most patients with lupus, but it may also be positive in many people
who do not have lupus. Therefore, a positive ANA test alone is not
adequate for the diagnosis of lupus -- there must be at least three
additional clinical features for the diagnosis to be made.
How is lupus treated?
The type of treatment prescribed will depend on several factors, including
the person's age, type of medications he or she is taking, overall
health, medical history and location and severity of disease.
Because lupus is a condition that can change over time and is not
always predictable, a critical part of good care includes periodic
visits with a knowledgeable, available physician. Some patients
with mild features of the disease do not require treatment, while
patients with serious involvement (such as kidney complications) may
require the use of powerful medications.
|
