What medication is used for systemic lupus erythematosus?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is a global autoimmune disease that can involve multiple systems and organs. The cause of the disease is unclear, and it cannot be completely cured; it can only be managed through medication. However, once the condition stabilizes, the medication dosage can be gradually reduced and maintained at a low dose. The preferred treatment is corticosteroids, but if there is damage to other organs, such as pulmonary interstitial fibrosis or renal damage and proteinuria, it is necessary to combine immunosuppressants. This is done to prevent recurrence of the disease and to manage complications that may arise during the reduction of steroids. Additionally, it is crucial to be cautious about sun protection, avoid oral contraceptives, and prevent exposure to cold and overexertion. (Please take medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Is systemic lupus erythematosus serious?

Firstly, whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is severe cannot be generalized. It is an autoimmune disease that cannot be completely cured and can cause damage to multiple systems and organs, leading to serious complications. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a clinical analysis and assess the severity of the condition as mild, moderate, or severe after diagnosis. Furthermore, if severe anemia or a decrease in platelets occurs, the condition is relatively severe, and the presence of oliguria or anuria or central nervous system damage, this is known as lupus crisis. These conditions can be life-threatening, even leading to death. In such cases, the condition is relatively critical, and it is essential to actively treat and control the condition. Once the condition stabilizes, the medication dosage should be gradually reduced to maintain stability.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can systemic lupus erythematosus be cured?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease and is chronic. The cause of the disease is mostly unclear, but studies have shown that it is related to genetics, environmental pollution, viral infections, hormone levels, and other factors. As an autoimmune disease, it cannot be completely cured. The main purpose of treatment is to control symptoms, delay the onset of complications, and improve the quality of life. The preferred treatment involves corticosteroids. The dosage should be adjusted according to the condition; after stabilizing, the dosage should gradually be reduced to a small maintenance dose. It is important to continue the medication even during maintenance therapy, as discontinuing the medication can lead to a recurrence of the disease. Additionally, chilling, fatigue, infection, and sun exposure can all trigger the activity of lupus, so it is important to be cautious in daily life. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease that affects the entire body system, so there are generally systemic symptoms. The most common symptoms are bone and joint pain, and muscle pain. Some patients may show symptoms related to the skin and mucous membranes, mainly presenting as butterfly-shaped erythema, discoid erythema, and oral mucosal ulcers. In severe cases, patients may experience problems with the visceral system, mainly affecting the kidneys, primarily presenting as significant proteinuria in routine urine tests. Additionally, severe cases may even present with neurological and psychiatric issues, mainly exhibiting restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and various forms of cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and other conditions.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Typical skin manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

The most typical skin rashes of systemic lupus erythematosus are called butterfly rash and discoid rash. The so-called butterfly rash is a rash on both sides of the nostrils, resembling the wings of a butterfly, and the so-called discoid rash is a circular, disc-shaped rash on the facial area. At the same time, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus may also experience reticular purpura or vasculitic rashes like those of end-finger vasculitis, all of which are typical manifestations of skin rashes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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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.