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 Li Jing
Rheumatology
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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.

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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 Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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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.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can systemic lupus erythematosus become pregnant?

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystemic, systemic autoimmune disease that can involve multiple organs throughout the body. Regarding the issue of whether one with systemic lupus erythematosus can become pregnant, it cannot be generalized and must be considered in conjunction with the condition of the disease. For example, if the disease is in its early stages and has been stabilized through treatment, then it is possible to become pregnant. If systemic lupus erythematosus has already presented with severe complications, such as lupus nephritis, significant proteinuria, or an increase in creatinine urea, affecting kidney function and causing kidney damage, then it is not recommended to become pregnant during this period. Pregnancy at this time not only offers no substantial benefit to the person with systemic lupus erythematosus but can also increase the burden on the kidneys, leading to further deterioration of kidney function, which can be life-threatening.

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Written by Li Jing
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What medication is used for systemic lupus erythematosus?

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.)