Systemic lupus erythematosus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, blood, heart, lungs and nervous system. It is more common in young women. It has periods of activity and periods of calm.
Common symptoms
- Marked fatigue
- Joint pain or swelling
- Red rash on the face or on sun-exposed areas
- Mouth sores and hair loss
- Fever without infection
- Fingers that change colour in the cold
- Swollen legs or foamy urine
How it is diagnosed
Symptoms are combined with tests: antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-DNA, complement, blood count and urinalysis. Urine is checked at every visit to monitor the kidneys.
Treatment
Almost all patients receive hydroxychloroquine, which reduces flares and protects the organs. Depending on activity, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mycophenolate or methotrexate) or biologic therapies such as belimumab or anifrolumab are added.
What you can do
- Use sunscreen every day, even when it is cloudy
- Do not stop hydroxychloroquine without talking to your doctor
- Have an eye examination every year while taking it
- Monitor your blood pressure and have the urine tests requested
- Plan pregnancy with your rheumatologist: some medicines must be changed beforehand
Seek care immediately if you have
- Foamy or dark urine, or swelling of the legs and eyelids
- Chest pain when breathing, or shortness of breath
- Seizures, confusion or a very severe headache
- High fever, bruising or bleeding without a cause
Frequently asked questions
What is systemic lupus erythematosus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, blood, heart, lungs and nervous system. It is more common in young women. It has periods of activity and periods of calm.
How is systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosed?
Symptoms are combined with tests: antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-DNA, complement, blood count and urinalysis. Urine is checked at every visit to monitor the kidneys.
How is systemic lupus erythematosus treated?
Almost all patients receive hydroxychloroquine, which reduces flares and protects the organs. Depending on activity, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mycophenolate or methotrexate) or biologic therapies such as belimumab or anifrolumab are added.
General information reviewed by Dr. Paul Alejandro Méndez Patarroyo, internist and rheumatologist, Colombian Medical Licence 79554568. It does not replace a medical consultation.