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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK02013}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Lupus?}
$Subject{lupus inflammatory disease connective tissue systemic lupus
erythematosus SLE disseminated LE muscles joints arthritis pleurisy lungs
kidneys kidney strokes stroke seizures seizure psychiatric actions nervous
system rash rashes hair loss fatigue immune system autoimmune antibodies birth
control pills menopause female hormones corticosteroids inflammation bacterial
infections bacterial infection diet stress sun light}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Immune Cell Production Sites I*0004501.scf
Immune Cell Production Sites II*0004502.scf
Humoral Immunity*0004601.scf
Cell-Mediated Immunity*0004602.scf}
Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
What is Lupus?
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QUESTION: I don't think I have ever seen you write anything about lupus,
although I read your column faithfully whenever it is printed in our paper. I
know this is a difficult disease to describe, but our family has such need for
information about this problem, that I was delegated to write to ask for your
help. Would you please describe the disease and what we can expect to happen
to our sister in the coming years? I can't tell you how much we would all
appreciate your help.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: There are varying forms of this inflammatory disease which affects
the connective tissue in the body, that can run from a mild type to a severe
form that requires immediate treatment. It is known as systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) or disseminated LE. The disease is often difficult to
diagnose, for it can affect almost every organ in the body, and can produce a
wide variety of symptoms. When muscles and joints become inflamed and
painful, the disease resembles arthritis. It can produce a shortness of
breath and pain that looks like pleurisy when it attacks the lungs, cause a
variety of symptoms when affecting the kidney, and provoke strokes, seizures
and psychiatric actions when the nervous system becomes involved. Rashes are
typical; especially a rash that bridges the nose and resemble a "butterfly",
as well as painless sores in the mouth and nose, and hair loss. In many
cases, none of these situations are readily apparent, and the patient
complains only of fatigue, just not feeling up to par. The disease is far
more frequent in women than in men, as almost 90 percent of the cases are
women. Black women are more affected than their white counterparts.
SLE is a disease of the immune system, an autoimmune disorder that occurs
when the body turns against itself. The immune system produces antibodies
that react against the bodies own tissues, rather than foreign substances,
like bacteria, that invade the system. This is probably caused by two things;
an inherited predisposition to the disorder, and a second precipitating cause
in the environment, like a virus or exposure to toxic chemicals. Since women
are affected in such high numbers, hormones may also play a role. Birth
control pills can make the condition worse, and lupus often gets a bit better
after menopause, when the body stops producing female hormones. It is also
possible that lupus is not merely a single disease, but comes from a number of
things happening at once.
The use of corticosteroids remains the standard treatment to reduce the
amount of inflammation, and to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Once the
condition comes under control, the amount of medication is reduced gradually
over a long period of weeks or months. Other medications that suppress the
immune system may also be used, but then close attention is paid to the
possibility of infections. With the immune response held at bay, bacterial
infections can rapidly establish a foot hold, which can complicate the
treatment and the life of the patient.
Diet, reduction of stress, and avoiding excessive sun light are also
advised, to help reduce both the frequency and severity of the "flares",
periods during which the disease becomes more intense. Research has provided
a number of therapies that provide a person with a normal life-span, and
continues today to seek even more definite and affective treatments. You,
your sister, and your family can obtain a wealth of information from the Lupus
Foundation of America, Four Research Place, Suite 180, Rockville, Maryland,
20850-3226.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.