Guest guest Posted April 12, 2004 Report Share Posted April 12, 2004 WebMD Today HomeWebMD News Center Member Services Newsletters & AlertsBoards & EventsWebMD UniversityMy WebMDFind a Physician Medical Info Diseases & ConditionsCheck SymptomsMedical LibraryDrugs & HerbsQuizzes, CalculatorsClinical TrialsHealth Plan Health & Wellness Women, Men, LifestylePregnancy & FamilyDiet & Nutrition Who We Are About WebMDPrivacy & YouSite Map You are in Diseases & Conditions. Choose a TopicAll ConditionsADD/ADHDAllergiesAlzheimer'sArthritisAsthmaBack PainBreast CancerCancerDentalDepressionDiabetesEye HealthHeart DiseaseHepatitisHIV/AIDSHypertensionMen's ConditionsMental HealthMigraines/HeadachesMultiple SclerosisOsteoporosisParkinson'sSexual ConditionsSkin & BeautyStrokeWeight ControlWomen's Conditions Health Topics | Symptoms | Medical Tests | Medications | Wellness | Support Organizations Topic Overview Cause Symptoms What Happens What Increases Your Risk When To Call a Doctor Exams and Tests Treatment Overview Prevention Home Treatment Medications Surgery Other Treatment Other Places To Get Help References Credits Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Topic Overview What is systemic lupus erythematosus? Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation, pain, and tissue damage throughout the body. Although some people with SLE have mild symptoms, it is a chronic disease and can become severe. For most people, ongoing monitoring and treatment can control symptoms and prevent serious organ damage. Only in rare cases does SLE become life-threatening.1 There are five types of lupus erythematosus: systemic, discoid/cutaneous, subacute cutaneous, drug-induced systemic, and neonatal. Systemic (SLE) is the most serious type. There is no known cure for this disease. What are SLE symptoms like? Systemic lupus erythematosus can take a long time to diagnose, because symptoms vary widely, and they come and go. Periods of time when symptoms worsen are called relapses or flares. Periods of time when symptoms improve are called remissions. SLE symptoms rarely disappear completely. The first signs of SLE are usually skin rash (especially with sun exposure), joint pain, and fatigue. Mouth sores, hair loss, or fevers may also be present. Over time, many people with SLE develop neurological symptoms, most commonly migraine headaches. SLE can also affect the kidneys, heart, lungs, or blood cells. What causes SLE? SLE has no single known cause. Experts believe that a combination of factors come together to trigger the autoimmune process. These factors can include genetic predisposition, certain infections and medications, and exposure to environmental elements such as ultraviolet B light, as in sunlight. SLE is most common in women who are in their high-estrogen stages of life, as during the childbearing years.2 While estrogen is thought to strengthen immune system function, it can in turn worsen an autoimmune disease. Estrogen and similar hormones have been linked to SLE, though their role is poorly understood. How is SLE diagnosed? There is no single definitive test for SLE. A diagnosis of lupus is made based on a combination of signs, symptoms, and blood tests. It is easiest to diagnose SLE if you have typical symptoms and your blood tests positive for antinuclear antibodies, or ANA. A positive ANA suggests possible autoimmune disease, but by itself does not confirm a diagnosis of lupus. If your medical history and physical examination don't make a strong case for a particular diagnosis, your health professional can test your blood for other signs of SLE and other similar conditions. How is SLE treated? There is no known cure for SLE. You can control mild to moderate SLE symptoms with proper self-care, such as appropriate rest, exercise, and avoidance of sun exposure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or antimalarial medication—such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)—can also help manage symptoms. If you have severe disease, especially if it involves vital organs, your doctor may recommend corticosteroids or other medications, such as azathioprine (Imuran), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), methotrexate, or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). These medications suppress the immune system and are referred to as immunosuppressives; the latter two are sometimes referred to as cytotoxic medications. Who is affected ^back to top next section > To Search the Help Last updated: June 27, 2002 Print-Friendly Version © 1995-2004, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. All Rights Reserved.This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Medscape for Physicians | Medscape for Healthcare Professionals Corporate | Contact Us Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy and Agreement ©1996-2004 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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