Systemic Lupus Lrythematosus - Symptoms & Treatment

Systemic Lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the connective tissues. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which various organs or tissues of the body are attacked by a person’s immune system and causes damage to the body. SLE is more common in women than in men. Approximately 90% of SLE cases occur in women. If this disease is serious, patient can have problems with their kidneys,lungs, heart etc.

Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Lrythematosus

There are many more symptoms like as Hair loss, Joint pain ,Fever ,Nervous system and disorders. The symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus are include these factor:

• aching, malaise,fatigue
• low-grade or spiking fever and chills
• anorexia and weight loss
• lymph node enlargement (diffuse or local; non tender)
• abdominal pain
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• irregular menstrual periods or amenorrhea during the active phase of SLE
• Raynaud's phenomenon (about 20% of patients)
• patchy alopecia and painless ulcers of the mucous membranes
• pulmonary abnormalities, such as pleurisy, pleural effusions, pneumonitis, pulmonary hypertension and, rarely, pulmonary hemorrhage
• cardiac involvement, such as pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis, and early coronary atherosclerosis
• microscopic hematuria, pyuria, and urine sediment with cellular casts due to glomerulonephritis, possibly progressing to kidney failure (particularly when untreated)
• urinary tract infections, possibly due to heightened susceptibility to infection
• seizure disorders and mental dysfunction
• central nervous system (CNS) involvement, such as emotional instability, psychosis, and organic brain syndrome
• headaches, irritability, and depression (common)..

Causes of Systemic Lupus Lrythematosus

The main causes of Systemic Lupus Lrythematosus are Genetic link and Environmental factors and also affected by Hepatitis C and Cytomegalovirus. The causes are inludes following :

• Physical or mental stress
• Streptococcal or viral infections
• Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light
• Immunization
• Pregnancy
• Abnormal estrogen metabolism
• Treatment with certain drugs, such as procainamide (Pronestyl), hydralazine (Apresoline), anticonvulsants and, less commonly, penicillin's, sulfa drugs, and hormonal contraceptives.

Treatment of Systemic Lupus Lrythematosus

The treatment for Lupus depends on the symptoms, and how much they have affected the organs. Various treatments can be done like by self care and medication.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, including aspirin, to control arthritis symptoms
• Topical corticosteroid creams such as hydrocortisone buteprate (Acticort) or triamcinolone (Aristocort) for acute skin lesions
• Intralesional corticosteroids or antimalarials such as bydroxychloroquine sulfate (Plaquenil) to treat refractory skin lesions
• Systemic corticosteroids to reduce systemic symptoms of SLE for acute, generalized exacerbations or for serious disease related to vital organ systems, such as pleuritis, pericarditis, lupus nephritis, vasculitis, and CNS involvement
• High-dose steroids and cytotoxic therapy such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) to treat diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis
• Dialysis or kidney transplant for renal failure
• Antihypertensive drugs and dietary changes to minimize effects of renal involvement.
• Not smoking
• Doing regular exercise
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet
• Developing a support system of family, friends and doctors
• Education about lupus and self care