Diseases
systemic lupus erythematosus
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Lupus is a disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
Symptoms
- lupus facial rash
- fatigue, fever
- joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
- fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold
Causes
- as an autoimmune disease, lupus occurs when your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your body. it's likely that lupus results from a combination of your genetics and your environment.
Risk factors
- lupus is more common in women.
- it's most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45.
- lupus is more common in african americans, hispanics and asian americans.
Diagnosis
- laboratory tests ie, urinalysis, antinuclear antibody (ana) test.
- biopsy
- imaging tests ie, chest x-ray., and echocardiogram
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is systemic lupus erythematosus?
Lupus is a disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
What are the symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus?
lupus facial rash, fatigue, fever, joint pain, stiffness and swelling, skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure, fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold
What causes systemic lupus erythematosus?
as an autoimmune disease, lupus occurs when your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your body. it's likely that lupus results from a combination of your genetics and your environment.
Which medicines are used for systemic lupus erythematosus?
hydroxychloroquine
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