Systemic lupus erythematous
What is it?
Systemic lupus erythematous — commonly known as lupus — is a systemic inflammatory disease that occurs because the immune system is attacking its own tissues and organs.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Join pain and swelling
- Skin rashes
- Fever
- Sores in the mouth or nose
- Anemia
- Low white blood cell count
- Kidney failure
Risk factors
- Family history and genetics
- Female gender
- Ethnicity: African American, Native American and Asian American
Diagnosing systemic lupus erythematous
- Complete medical history and physical exam
- Laboratory testing
- Kidney or skin biopsy in some cases
Treating systemic lupus erythematous
- Medications to suppress abnormal immune response
- Choice of medication depends of severity of disease and organs involved
- Medication options include hydroxychloroquine, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD), azathioprine and methotrexate