Can systemic lupus erythematosus be cured?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can systemic lupus erythematosus be cured?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is difficult to cure completely as it is a chronic disease that requires long-term, lifelong medication. The most basic drugs used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus are corticosteroids. Hydroxychloroquine is also a basic treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus, but it is necessary to rule out contraindications such as retinal problems before use. Some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, if they also have kidney or lung involvement, may need to consider treatment with immunosuppressants after using corticosteroids. Commonly used immunosuppressants include mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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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.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus drink alcohol?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that cannot be cured. It can only be managed with medication to control the progression of the disease, reduce recurrence, delay complications, and decrease mortality and self-harm rates. These are the main treatment objectives. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should avoid sun exposure and, for women, the use of oral contraceptives. It is also important to avoid overwork and staying up late. Patients are generally advised to quit smoking and drinking alcohol. Therefore, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should not consume alcohol, especially during treatment, to avoid adverse reactions with medications.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Dietary Restrictions for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems, including the skin, heart, kidneys, lungs, and nervous system, among other organs. The skin, kidneys, and lungs are the most commonly affected organs. If the kidneys are affected and proteinuria occurs, it is necessary to restrict salt intake. The general principle is to have a low-salt, low-fat diet, and to limit the intake of high-quality proteins, which mainly refers to lean meats and pure milk. It is necessary to drink more water, avoid sun exposure, avoid oral contraceptives, and in terms of diet, fruits such as figs and mangoes that have been exposed to sunlight for a long time are prohibited, including tomatoes, while other fruits can be consumed in moderation.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is not contagious.

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with an unclear cause. It can affect multiple organs including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. It is classified as an autoimmune disease and not a contagious one, so there is no need to worry about it spreading. However, this condition does have a certain genetic predisposition. For instance, if parents have systemic lupus erythematosus, then their offspring have a relatively higher chance of developing the condition compared to families without a history of the disease. Being an autoimmune disease, it cannot be cured but can only be managed with medications such as corticosteroids to control the progression of the disease. Therefore, during the course of steroid treatment, it is vital to prevent infections. Finally, it is important to emphasize once again that systemic lupus erythematosus is not contagious and does not pose a risk of transmission, so everyone can be reassured.