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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a type of autoimmune rheumatological disease, which not only affects the joints but also involves the other systems in the body. The other name for SLE is lupus (means wolf in Latin). SLE can cause skin rashes on the face, which may resembles face of a wolf but we hardly see these facial features nowadays with the latest treatments available. The common symptoms of lupus are skin rashes, joint pains and swellings (arthritis). The arthritis usually starts in small joints of the hands and feet. Sometimes these joint pains are migratory. Redcoloured skin rash is commonly seen over the cheeks is called butterfly rash. These rashes may be also seen in other parts of the body, gets worse with sun exposure. The other common symptoms are recurrent mouth ulcers, hair loss (alopecia), extreme tiredness, fever and anemia.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is 9 times more common in women. Lupus may affect the other organs like kidneys, heart, lungs, brain and nerves. Rheumatologist makes the diagnosis of lupus based on symptoms, signs and some important laboratory tests. The important blood tests, which help in the diagnosis of lupus, are ANA, Anti ds DNA and Anti-sm antibodies. The commonly used medicines are NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, Hydroxychloroquine and sometimes Methotrexate, Cyclophosphamide, MMF and Azathioprine. |
