Medical Author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Medically Reviewed on 3/4/2022
Doctor's Notes on Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus or lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks various organs or cells in the body. It can be a mild to severe disease that may relapse periodically. Signs and symptoms are related to the affected organs. However, initial signs and symptoms are
Organ systems have different signs and symptoms.
- Muscles: inflammation, weakness, and pain
- Skin and hair: malar rash, hair loss
- Kidney problems
- Heart and blood vessels: pericarditis, atherosclerosis
- Nervous system: acute psychiatric problems, depression, seizures, and/or strokes
- Lungs: pleurisy, pneumonia
- Stomach and intestines: abdominal pain, ulcers, ascites
- Eyes: dry eyes, retinal damage
The exact cause(s) of SLE are not known but people with SLE likely share a common genetic link that, when triggered by environmental factors, results in SLE. Hormones may play a role as symptoms may wax and wane during a woman's period, and SLE in pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth. In addition, drugs may induce SLE (for example, procainamide, phenytoin, etanercept and others), but SLE symptoms cease once the drugs are stopped.
What Are the Treatments for Lupus (SLE or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)?
The general medication options used to control and/or reduce the symptoms, signs, and occasional flares of SLE are as follows with some drug examples:
- NSAIDs: naproxen, ibuprofen
- Antimalarial drugs: hydroxychloroquine
- Corticosteroids: prednisone, methylprednisolone
- Immunosuppressants: azathioprine, methotrexate
- Biologics: belimumab, rituximab
In addition, some clinical trials of drugs like voclosporin may be additional effective future treatments. Medications for SLE and their dosage may need to change over time; follow up with your doctor can help you get optimal SLE care.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus : Test Your SLE IQ Quiz
QuestionLupus is an infection.
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Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Arthritis causes include injury, abnormal metabolism (such as gout), inheritance (such as in osteoarthritis), infections (such as in the arthritis of Lyme disease), and an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and systemic lupus erythematosus). Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited joint function. Treatment may include pain medications, pain-relieving creams, and dietary supplements. -
Chest Pain
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Chronic Kidney Disease
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Does Stress Affect Lupus?
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Fever in Adults
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Hair Loss (Alopecia)
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Heat Rash
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Joint Pain
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Pericarditis
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Pleurisy
Pleurisy is an infection and inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that lines the outside of the lungs and chest cavity. The infection can resolve on its own, be treated with antibiotics, or in serious cases, result in draining of the essential pleural fluid and the subsequent development of adhesions, which can make it painful and difficult to breathe. -
Rash
A rash is a visible skin outbreak. Examples of noninfectious rashes include eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, hives, and allergic dermatitis. Types of infectious rashes include ringworm, impetigo, scabies, herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Rashes may be caused by fungi, viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Treatment depends upon the type of rash. -
Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.