Lupus: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Elyse Leon-Reyes Lupus LA

Lupus: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Elyse Leon-Reyes

Lupus LA

Definition: What is Lupus

Lupus is a disorder of the immune system where the body’s immune system attacks itself – hence it is an autoimmune disease (“self-immune”).

But the main problem is a failure of the immune system to regulate itself properly.

There are three kinds of lupus: systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE), discoid (cutaneous) lupus erythematosus (DLE) and drug-induced lupus.

What causes lupus?

The cause is unknown. Factors that may contribute to the onset of

lupus include viruses, unknown environmental chemicals, sun exposure, and female hormones

Genetic predisposition is also felt to be very important

Who Gets Lupus? In the USA, 1 in 2000 people have lupus. Women are 9 times more likely than men. Lupus disproportionately affects young women

during their childbearing years. African Americans, Latinos, Asians and Native Americans have a higher incidence of SLE than Caucasians more likely than Caucasians to develop the disease

First degree relatives of people with lupus are more likely to get the disease

Diagnosis

Symptoms

Physical Findings

Laboratory Tests

What are the symptoms of Lupus?

There are many different symptoms of lupus, some mild and some severe so that diagnosis may be difficult at first.

The most common are fever, fatigue, joint and muscle aches, rash, hair loss, weight loss. Other symptoms can include loss of sensation, seizures, strokes, chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness.

How is lupus diagnosed?

Patients must have at least 4 of 11 criteria to make the diagnosis of lupus

However, lupus may be strongly suspected without all 4 criteria

Almost all patients with lupus have a positive ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) blood test. However, you can have a positive ANA test without having lupus!

The criteria are:

1. Malar rash

2. Discoid rash

3. Photosensitivity

4. Oral ulcers

5. Kidney disease

6. Neurologic Disease

7. Inflammation around the lungs or heart

8. Blood disorders

9. Immunologic disorders

10. Arthritis

11. Anti-Nuclear Antibody

Malar Rash

Hair Loss

Photosensitivity

Overlapping Diseases & Syndromes

Fibromyalgia Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Raynaud’s Syndrome Rheumatoid Arthritis Scleroderma Sjogren’s Syndrome Vasculitis

What can patients do to improve their quality of life?

Exercise Get enough rest Eat sensibly Don’t smoke Avoid prolonged

sunlight

Pay attention to fevers

Avoid alcohol Know your disease Get help if you are not

sure

What Type of Doctor do Lupus Patients See?

Primary Care Physicians Rheumatologists Nephrologists Dermatologists Neurologists Cardiologists Psychiatrists

Economic Impact of Lupus in the United States

Several studies suggest that the average annual cost to provide medical treatment for a person with lupus is nearly $60,000.

SLE accounts for more than 77,000 hospital admissions in the U.S. each year, averaging 10 days.

Kidney dialysis, required by some people with lupus, costs more than $68,000 per patient per year in the U.S

Hip replacement surgery, which may be required as a result of the side effects of high-dose corticosteroid therapy, costs about $62,000

Every 30 minutes someone is diagnosed with lupus, after suffering (on average) with symptoms for 4-5 years.

Lupus is a leading cause of kidney disease, stroke and premature cardiovascular disease in young women

Death rates from lupus are on the rise. A recent report from the CDC revealed a 60-70 percent upsurge in lupus deaths between 1979 and 1989.

Lupus is responsible for high percentage of the mortalities caused by rheumatic conditions.

What is Lupus LA?

Lupus LA, the West Coast division of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, promotes lupus research, awareness, and education, and serves the needs of people with lupus and their families in Los Angeles County.

Lupus LA partners with the Lupus Research Institute (LRI) to fund novel lupus research that will prevent, treat and cure the complex disease.

Fundraising for a Cure

Orange Ball Bag Ladies Luncheon Get Lucky for Lupus Poker Tournament LA Marathon Team Life without Lupus

Patient Services Program

Support Groups Patient Education Events Peer Support Referrals to Specialists Benefits and Entitlements Support ADA and IDEA Accommodations for

Schools and Employers

Patient Services Program Train the Trainer Patient Navigation Educational Materials Emergency Grant Program Enrichment Grant Program

Lupus Cooperative of Los Angeles

Launching in June 2010 Chronic disease management program Staff based in community organizations Case Management Healthcare Provider Education Public Awareness

QUESTIONS?

Lupus LA

9220 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 200

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310-657-5667

www.lupusla.org

ereyes@lupusla.org