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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
What should be noted about systemic lupus erythematosus?
Patients with lupus should be cautious about several lifestyle factors. First, they should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, as ultraviolet rays can potentially trigger the activity of lupus. Second, they should not overexert themselves, as fatigue can also lead to an exacerbation of lupus symptoms. Third, they must strictly avoid infections. Due to the long-term use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, lupus patients have reduced immunity, and even a minor infection can become uncontrollable. For lupus patients, lifelong medication is crucial. Commonly used medications include corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine. If the patient's visceral systems are involved, immunosuppressants may also be required. Additionally, patients should consistently attend regular check-ups at the rheumatology clinic. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)
Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus have children?
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can have children, but only if they are taking less than one and a half steroids and less than two hydroxychloroquine tablets. Additionally, they must be closely monitored throughout the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy, and regularly consult with both obstetricians and rheumatologists to discuss any necessary adjustments in treatment. This is because pregnancy is a high-risk factor for triggering lupus activity, with the disease often relapsing during the first six weeks of pregnancy and the six weeks following childbirth. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)
Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms
The symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus mainly include fever, oral ulcers, facial erythema, including discoid and malar rash, photosensitivity, joint pain, polyserositis, including pleural effusion and pericardial effusion, as well as kidney involvement. The main manifestations are positive urinary protein, hematuria, and casts in the urine. Severe cases may have neurological involvement, presenting as epilepsy, mental disorders, or altered consciousness. Blood tests in these patients can further reveal positive ANA, anti-double-stranded DNA, and anti-Sm antibodies, as well as low complement levels. These are the related symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus.
What should be noted for systemic lupus erythematosus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease and a chronic disease that damages multiple systems. It cannot be cured, only controlled by medication to manage symptoms, delay complications, and reduce mortality; these are the primary treatment goals. Therefore, during treatment, several aspects must be carefully considered: First, avoid prolonged sun exposure, chemical irritants, being overly cold or fatigued, as these can trigger the condition. Women should also avoid taking oral contraceptives. Second, do not be misled by advertisements and promotions; always seek treatment in reputable hospitals to prevent complications. Third, during treatment, always keep in contact with your attending physician. Do not adjust or reduce your medication on your own, as this can exacerbate the disease and greatly increase the risk of relapse.
Can systemic lupus erythematosus be cured completely?
Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes damage to multiple systems. Its occurrence is associated with factors such as genetics, environmental pollution, infections, and hormone levels. As an autoimmune disease, it cannot be completely cured. Treatment involves using medications to control symptoms, delay the onset of complications, reduce disability rates, and improve quality of life. This represents the comprehensive goals of its treatment. The first choice of treatment is corticosteroids. Once diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, it is essential to conduct thorough examinations to assess the activity of the disease and the organs involved. Based on the activity of the disease and the organs affected, the dosage of treatment may vary.
What causes systemic lupus erythematosus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus mainly has four major causes: The first is related to the environment. Long-term exposure to sunlight, or living in a humid environment, may trigger the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus. Secondly, there is a certain genetic predisposition to systemic lupus erythematosus. If the parents have systemic lupus erythematosus, the probability of their offspring developing the disease is higher. Thirdly, systemic lupus erythematosus is also related to estrogen, which is why, clinically, lupus is more commonly seen in women of childbearing age and less often in men. Systemic lupus erythematosus is also associated with some specific infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, which may trigger a lupus flare-up.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is not contagious.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage multiple systems and affect multiple organs. Its occurrence is related to genetics, environmental pollution, hormonal levels, and infections. It is classified as an autoimmune disease and is not infectious or contagious. Once diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, it is important to thoroughly complete related examinations and assess the activity level of the disease, as treatment plans vary accordingly. Therefore, for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, there is no need to worry about it being contagious. However, there is a hereditary tendency, meaning if the parents have it, the likelihood of their children developing the disease is significantly higher than others.
Is systemic lupus erythematosus serious?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can vary in severity. The main criterion for determining whether it is mild or severe is to check whether SLE has involved important visceral organs, such as the lungs, the heart, and most commonly, the kidneys, as well as the most severe form, neuropsychiatric lupus. If a patient shows involvement of the aforementioned visceral systems, then lupus is considered to be relatively severe, and may sometimes even threaten the patient’s life. However, if lupus does not involve the visceral systems, it is considered to be mild.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Test Items
First, if there are symptoms such as facial erythema, butterfly rash, joint pain, hair loss, or even stillbirth or miscarriage, systemic lupus erythematosus should be suspected. For systemic lupus erythematosus, related medical tests are necessary, including complete blood count, urinalysis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, 13 autoantibody tests, and anticardiolipin antibodies. These are the primary and most basic tests, specifically the 13 autoantibody tests. If the diagnosis is confirmed based on these tests, further assessments such as heart evaluation, chest CT need to be perfected. When necessary, 24-hour urine protein quantitation and kidney biopsy should be performed to assess the damage to the kidneys and the severity of the condition, mainly influencing the subsequent treatment plan.
Can systemic lupus erythematosus be cured?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) kidney is a chronic autoimmune disease with multi-organ damage that occurs systemically. This disease is common in women of childbearing age and is most frequently characterized by facial rashes. It can also present with fever, hair loss, and even edema of both lower limbs and hypoalbuminemia. As an autoimmune disease, it cannot be cured and can only be managed with medications. Treatment aims to stabilize the condition and gradually reduce the medication dosage to the minimum necessary to maintain the condition and prevent it from becoming active, thus delaying damage to other organs. Systemic lupus erythematosus involves multiple systems, with the kidneys being the most susceptible, requiring formal medical treatment to prevent complications in the organs.