Encyclopedia

Definition

Systemic lupus erythematosus (or lupus) is an autoimmune disease. It causes inflammation of joints, tendons, skin, and other connective tissue and organs. It causes the immune system to make antibodies that attack the body's healthy cells and tissue.

Causes

The cause of lupus is unknown. Researchers believe it may be a combination of:

• Genetic factors
• Environmental factors, which may include:
  • Sunlight (UV rays)
  • Stress
• Viral or other type of infection
• Drug-induced (methyldopa, procainamide, hydralazine, isoniazid, chlorpromazine, TNF-blocking drugs)

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors for lupus include:

• Sex: female to male ratio: 10:1
• Age: childbearing age (20-45 years)
• Race: African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from mild to extremely severe and debilitating. In some people, only part of the body (for example, the skin) is affected. In others, many parts of the body are affected. Though symptoms can be chronic, they usually flare up and subside intermittently.

Common symptoms include:

• Swollen and/or painful joints
• Fever
• Skin rashes over areas exposed to sunlight (especially on the nose and cheeks)
• Extreme fatigue

Butterfly Rash on the Face

© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Other symptoms may include:

• Hair loss
• Chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
• Kidney inflammation
• High blood pressure
• Anemia or other blood disorders
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Ulcers in nose or mouth
• Swollen glands
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Inflammation of the heart, heart vessels, or membrane surrounding the heart
• Blood clots

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical and family history, and perform a physical exam. The diagnosis is usually based on symptoms, especially if they appear in young women. No single test can determine if you have lupus. But a number of blood tests for specific antibodies can help confirm diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends on your specific symptoms.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing lupus because the cause is unknown.

To prevent flare-ups of symptoms:

• Schedule regular check-ups.
• Treat any and all infections quickly and vigorously.
• Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
• Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Limit emotional stress.
• Get adequate rest.
• Exercise moderately (as much as your condition allows) with your doctor's permission.
• Contact your doctor if you think a flare-up is imminent.
• Avoid oral contraceptives especially if you have ever had a blood clot.