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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), also called lupus, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system (the cells in the body that fight infection) incorrectly attack the body's own tissues and organs, leading to inflammation and damage. Lupus most commonly affects women of childbearing age but also occurs in children, adolescents, and men. The cause of lupus is unknown, but it has been associated with genetic, environmental, and infectious causes. The disorder may affect almost all organs in the body, with the kidney being most commonly involved. The disorder may be mild in some cases (for example, only involving the skin) and very severe in other cases (affecting multiple organs, including the brain). The disease course is characterized by flares (intervals of active disease) and remissions (intervals of inactive disease). The June 22/29, 2005, issue of JAMA includes an article that describes the available treatments for the kidney disease associated with lupus.
SYMPTOMS
Because lupus can affect any organ of the body, it causes a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are
- Fatigue
- Fever (maximum temperature usually less than 102°F)
- Joint pain or swelling (most commonly in the hands, wrists, and knees)
- Muscle pain
- Hair loss
- Rash (typically in a "butterfly" distribution on the face, across the cheeks, and under the eyes)
- Painless ulcers in the mouth or nose
- Photosensitivity (the development of a rash on sun-exposed skin)
DIAGNOSIS
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, your doctor will order blood tests to measure your red blood cells (cells that carry oxygen in the blood), platelets (important for blood clotting), and white blood cells (the cells of the immune system). Your doctor may also order blood tests to assess for any organ damage and to measure the extent of inflammation and autoimmune activity. Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist (a doctor with specialized training in autoimmune disorders).
TREATMENT
There is no cure for lupus, but appropriate treatment can prevent or slow the disease process and control the associated symptoms. Lupus is treated with medications that target the body's immune system. Medication choices depend on the severity of disease and the specific organs involved. Additional medications may be prescribed for specific symptoms, such as joint pain, and for other manifestations of the disorder, such as high blood pressure if there is kidney disease.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
INFORM YOURSELF
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. Any other print or online reproduction is subject to AMA approval. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.
TOPIC: AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS
Sarah Ringold, MD, Writer;
Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator;
Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2005;293:3130.
RELATED ARTICLE
Pharmacological Therapy of Lupus Nephritis
Derek M. Fine
JAMA. 2005;293(24):3053-3060.
ABSTRACT
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