Symptoms of childhood lupus

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on April 04, 2025
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Childhood systemic lupus erythematosus generally presents similarly to adults. It is a relatively common systemic autoimmune disease, more commonly seen in girls than boys. It involves multiple autoantibodies primarily including antinuclear antibodies and widespread small arteriole pathology, affecting multiple systems. Clinically, it can manifest with fever, skin lesions, such as butterfly rash on the face, as well as damage to the joints, kidneys, liver, heart, serous membranes, and a reduction in all blood cells. Generally, the ratio of females to males ranges from about 6:1 to 9:1. The prognosis of this disease is generally poor.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Can lupus be treated without steroids?

Hormones are currently the first choice of drugs for treating lupus erythematosus, and there are no other drugs that can replace them temporarily, so we still recommend using hormones for treatment. Hormones can quickly and effectively suppress the immune response, reducing the damage to the patient's body from the inflammatory substances released during the immune response. This kind of immune-suppressive and anti-inflammatory action is a protective therapeutic effect on the body. Although long-term use of large doses of hormones has certain side effects, it can quickly block the development of the disease and alleviate the condition. The function of hormones cannot be replaced by any other drug at present, so, no matter what stage the lupus erythematosus patients are in and regardless of the type of damage, hormones are the first choice of drugs. Hormones have many side effects, therefore, we need to use hormone drugs for treatment rationally and standardized under the guidance of a doctor, and should not take them arbitrarily to avoid serious consequences.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Can lupus patients get pregnant?

Patients with lupus can conceive normally, but it is not recommended to become pregnant. This is because patients with lupus who become pregnant are prone to miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and poor fetal development in the uterus, especially in patients who are positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. Pregnancy can also aggravate the disease or cause a relapse in lupus patients, and even if the disease is stable, there are cases where the condition worsens during pregnancy or after childbirth. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus to become pregnant. If the condition has been stable for more than a year after treatment and the patient has been off medication for at least 6 months, then pregnancy can be considered. However, it is important to note that dexamethasone, immunosuppressants, and Tripterygium wilfordii tablets have side effects on the fetus and should be avoided.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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What is lupus and is it serious?

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease, which can be very severe in some cases and mild in others. For example, cutaneous lupus erythematosus generally does not involve major organs and usually presents with mild symptoms, primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes. However, systemic lupus erythematosus can affect significant organs like the kidneys and heart in many patients, often leading to severe medical conditions. Especially, patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and those with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease tend to have a higher mortality rate. If systemic lupus erythematosus is diagnosed, it is crucial to receive standardized treatment early. Typically, treatment involves long-term maintenance with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to control the progression of the disease and reduce the likelihood of mortality.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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How long will the skin itch in the early stages of lupus erythematosus?

The duration of itching in the early stages of lupus erythematosus is not fixed. It is not certain that early-stage lupus erythematosus will cause itching. Some patients may experience itching, which can subside on its own, but it tends to recur. Additionally, some patients may have itching due to allergies, which can result in rashes accompanied by itching. It is possible to check immunoglobulin E to see if there are any allergic factors present. If allergies are involved, treatment can include antihistamines or corticosteroids, or topical calamine lotion can be used to relieve symptoms. Besides affecting the skin, early-stage lupus erythematosus can also cause symptoms such as oral ulcers and arthritis in many patients.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Is lupus contagious?

Lupus erythematosus is not contagious. The occurrence of lupus erythematosus is related to genetic factors, the levels of sex hormones in the body, and certain environmental factors that the body is exposed to. It is the combined effect of these factors that lowers the body's immune tolerance, causing disorder in immune function, and thus leading to this autoimmune disease. Therefore, unlike diseases caused by various pathogens, it cannot be transmitted from person to person. When normal individuals come into contact with patients, there is no need to fear contagion or to isolate the patients. During the remission and stable phases of the disease, lupus patients can engage in regular work, study, and participate in social activities just like healthy individuals.