What is systemic lupus

erythematosus?
The immune system normally fights off dangerous infections
and bacteria to keep the body healthy. An autoimmune
disease occurs when the immune system attacks the body
because it confuses it for something foreign. There are many
autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE).

The term lupus has been used to identify a number of

immune diseases that have similar clinical presentations and
laboratory features, but SLE is the most common type of
lupus. People are often referring to SLE when they say lupus.

SLE is a chronic disease that can have phases of worsening

symptoms that alternate with periods of mild symptoms.
Most people with SLE are able to live a normal life with
treatment.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, at least 1.5

million Americans are living with diagnosed lupus. The
foundation believes that the number of people who actually
have the condition is much higher and that many cases go
undiagnosed.
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Part 2 of 8
 Part 3 of 8

Recognizing potential
symptoms of SLE

Symptoms can vary and can change over time. Common

symptoms include:

severe fatigue
joint pain
joint swelling
headaches
a rash on the cheeks and nose, which is called a
butterfly rash
hair loss
anemia
blood-clotting problems
fingers turning white or blue and tingling when cold,
which is known as Raynauds phenomenon
Other symptoms depend on the part of the body the disease
is attacking,

such as the digestive tract, the heart, or the skin.

Lupus symptoms are also symptoms of many other diseases,

which makes diagnosis tricky. If you have any of these
symptoms, see your doctor. Your doctor can run tests to
gather the information needed to make an accurate
diagnosis.

Part 4 of 8

Causes of SLE

The exact cause of SLE isnt known, but several factors have
been associated with the disease.

Genetics
The disease isnt linked to a certain gene, but people with
lupus often have family members with other autoimmune
conditions.
 Environment
Environmental triggers can include:

ultraviolet rays
certain medications
viruses
physical or emotional stress
trauma
Sex and hormones
SLE affects women more than men. Women also may
experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy and
with their menstrual periods. Both of these observations have
led some medical professionals to believe that the female
hormone estrogen may play a role in causing SLE. However,
more research is still needed to prove this theory.

Part 5 of 8

How is SLE
diagnosed?
 Your doctor will do a physical exam to check for typical signs
and symptoms of lupus, including:

sun sensitivity rashes, such as a malar or butterfly rash

mucous membrane ulcers, which may occur in the
mouth or nose
arthritis, which is swelling or tenderness of the small
joints of the hands, feet, knees, and wrists
hair loss
hair thinning
signs of cardiac or lung involvement, such as murmurs,
rubs, or irregular heartbeats

No one single test is diagnostic for SLE, but screenings that

can help your doctor come to an informed diagnosis include:

blood tests, such as antibody tests and a complete blood

count
a urinalysis
a chest X-ray

Your doctor might refer you to a rheumatologist, which is a

doctor who specializes in treating joint and soft tissue
disorders and autoimmune diseases.
 Part 6 of 8

Treatment for SLE

No cure for SLE exists. The goal of treatment is to ease

symptoms. Treatment can vary depending on how severe
your symptoms are and which parts of your body SLE affects.
The treatments may include:

anti-inflammatory medications for joint pain and stiffness

steroid creams for rashes
corticosteroids to minimize the immune response
antimalarial drugs for skin and joint problems
disease modifying drugs or targeted immune system
agents for more severe cases

Talk with your doctor about your diet and lifestyle habits. Your
doctor might recommend eating or avoiding certain foods
and minimizing stress to reduce the likelihood of triggering
symptoms. You might need to have screenings for
osteoporosis since steroids can thin your bones. Your doctor
may also recommend preventive care, such as immunizations
 that are safe for people with autoimmune diseases and
cardiac screenings,

Part 7 of 8

Long-term
complications of SLE

Over time, SLE can damage or cause complications in

systems throughout your body. Possible complications may
include:

blood clots and inflammation of blood vessels or

vasculitis
inflammation of the heart, or pericarditis
a heart attack
a stroke
memory changes
behavioral changes
seizures
 inflammation of lung tissue and the lining of the lung, or
pleuritis
kidney inflammation
decreased kidney function
kidney failure

SLE can have serious negative effects on your body during

pregnancy. It can lead to pregnancy complications and even
miscarriage. Talk with your doctor about ways to reduce the
risk of complications.

Part 8 of 8

What is the outlook for

people with SLE?

SLE affects people differently. Treatments are most effective

when you start them soon after symptoms develop and when
your doctor tailors them to you. Its important that you make
an appointment with your doctor if you develop any
symptoms that concern you.

..

Take the Lupus Quiz

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that affects the whole body. It is also called systemic
lupus erythematosus, or SLE. It can range from mild to severe. The Lupus Foundation
of America says that as many as 1.5 million Americans have lupus. Most of them are
women. Find out more about this disease by taking the following quiz.

1. Which part of the body might be affected by lupus?

A. Joints B. Skin C. Kidneys D. Heart E. Brain F. All of the above

2. What happens to the immune system of a person who has lupus?

A. The immune system makes antibodies against the body's cells B. The immune

system doesnt make enough antibodies to fight off illness C. The immune system doesnt

make any antibodies D. None of the above

3. Besides SLE, which of these is another form of lupus?

A. Discoid lupus erythematosus B. Lupus caused by certain medicines C. Neonatal

lupus D. All of the above

4. Which group of people is more likely to have lupus?

A. African-American men B. African-American women C. Caucasian men

D. Caucasian women

5. Although the exact cause of lupus isn't yet known, which of these are believed to be factors?
 A. An inherited gene B. Exposure to ultraviolet light C. Estrogen D. All of the

above

6. Which of these is a common symptom of systemic lupus?

A. Fever B. Skin rash C. Swollen joints D. Extreme fatigue E. All of the

above

7. Which is a complication of lupus?

A. Glaucoma B. Inflammation of the kidneys C. Lung cancer D. Dislocated

shoulders

8. How is lupus diagnosed?

A. With a CT scan B. With a urine test C. With a skin test D. None of the above

9. How is lupus treated?

A. Surgery B. Radiation therapy C. Anti-inflammatory medicine D. None of the

above

10. Which is a good strategy for dealing with lupus?

A. Know the warning signs of a flare in symptoms B. Get a regular medical checkup

C. Talk with your health care provider D. All of the above

1. Which part of the body might be affected by lupus?

You didn't answer this question.
The correct answer is F. All of the above.
Lupus can also affect the lungs, eyes, digestive system, blood vessels, and blood.
2. What happens to the immune system of a person who has lupus?
You didn't answer this question.
The correct answer is A. The immune system makes antibodies against the body's cells.
A normal immune system makes antibodies against viruses, bacteria, and other
invaders. In a person with lupus, the immune system makes autoantibodies. These are
antibodies that attack the person's healthy cells. Autoantibodies cause inflammation and
can harm organs and tissues.
3. Besides SLE, which of these is another form of lupus?
You didn't answer this question.
The correct answer is D. All of the above.
Discoid lupus erythematosus is a form of lupus that affects only the skin. It causes a
raised rash on the face and scalp. The rash areas may become thick and scarred. The
rash may last only days, or remain for years. Certain medicines may cause symptoms
similar to SLE. But the symptoms usually go away when you stop taking the medicine.
Neonatal lupus is a rare form of lupus. It affects newborn infants whose mothers may
have SLE or another immune system disorder.
4. Which group of people is more likely to have lupus?
You didn't answer this question.
The correct answer is B. African-American women.
Lupus is much more common among women than among men. African-American
women are 3 times more likely to have lupus than are Caucasian women. Lupus is also
more common among women who are Asians, Hispanics, or of certain American Indian
background.
5. Although the exact cause of lupus isn't yet known, which of these are believed to be
factors?
You didn't answer this question.
The correct answer is D. All of the above.
Researchers say a combination of factors may cause lupus. The cause may also be
different from person to person. No specific gene has been found that causes lupus. But
several genes may make it more likely that a person will develop it. SLE is most
common in women who are in their childbearing years. This is when they have the
highest levels of estrogen in their body. Other factors that are being explored include
sunlight, stress, medicines, and viruses.
6. Which of these is a common symptom of systemic lupus?
You didn't answer this question.
The correct answer is E. All of the above.
All of these are common symptoms of systemic lupus, according to the National Institute
of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The rash usually appears in areas
of the skin that have been exposed to the sun. The rash spreads across the nose and
cheeks.
7. Which is a complication of lupus?
You didn't answer this question.
The correct answer is B. Inflammation of the kidneys.
Kidney inflammation (nephritis) can interfere with how the kidneys work. Other
complications include an inflammation of the chest cavity (pleuritis), pneumonia, stroke,
memory problems, blood vessel inflammation, and an inflammation of the heart
(myocarditis).
8. How is lupus diagnosed?
You didn't answer this question.
The correct answer is D. None of the above.
Lupus is difficult to diagnose. An accurate health history is important, because it can
point out symptoms. A skin biopsy and blood antibody tests can help in the diagnosis.
9. How is lupus treated?
You didn't answer this question.
The correct answer is C. Anti-inflammatory medicine.
Lupus has no cure. But medicines can help most people with the disease can lead
active, healthy lives. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are often used
to help control pain, swelling, and fever. Other types of medicine may also be used.
10. Which is a good strategy for dealing with lupus?
You didn't answer this question.
The correct answer is D. All of the above.
Typical warning signs of a flare include fatigue, pain, rash, fever, headache, or dizziness
that gets worse. By getting regular checkups, you can discuss any changes in
symptoms with your healthcare provider. He or she may need to adjust your treatment.
Your provider can also answer questions you may have about using sunscreens,
reducing stress, and developing a program of exercise and rest.

Living with a chronic condition can be difficult. Talk to your

doctor about support groups in your area. Working with a
trained counselor or support group can help you reduce
stress, maintain positive mental health, and manage your
illness.