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