SLE (lupus)

Lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects many parts of the body. SLE is the most common form of SLE which is a chronic and complex autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. The most commonly impacted areas are the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels.

Some basic facts about the disease are listed below:

The most common form of lupus is called SLE which affects many parts of the body. Other types of lupus include cutaneous lupus which causes a rash or lesion on the skin, usually when exposed to sunlight. Drug-induced lupus caused by an overreaction to certain medications and symptoms will usually disappear when the medicine is stopped.

Neonatal lupus which occurs when an infant acquires antibodies from its mother with SLE. While skin, liver and blood problems resolve within 6 months, the most serious problem – a congenital heart block – requires a pacemaker.

While anyone can get lupus, the disease most often affects women. In fact, women make up about 9 of 10 adults with the disease. It is more common in women of African American Hispanic Asian and native American descent. According to the most current research, genetics plays an important role and may be a risk factor but genetics alone do not determine who gets lupus. It is likely that many factors trigger the disease. The cause of lupus remains unknown but there is good evidence that genetics, changes in chromosomal activity, environmental factors, viruses, and infections play a role.

Some of the serious health risks include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stroke. Specifically, people with lupus are at increased risk for atherosclerosis (deposition of fats and cholesterol plaques along the lining of the arterial walls in some people) and inflammation of heart itself (myocarditis and endocarditis), or the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericarditis). Lupus may attack the brain or central
nervous system as well which can cause seizures or stroke.

The symptoms of lupus may be experienced with differing severities: Fatigue, pain or swelling in joints, skin rashes and fevers. Lupus is diagnosed by a physician specializing in autoimmune disorders called a rheumatologist. Typically, the doctor will conduct a complete medical history and physical exam including blood tests. This doctor may also perform skin and kidney biopsies to make a diagnosis.

Treatment options for lupus are much better once the patient has seen a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists can also use the special assistance of immunologist (specialists who treat the immune system), nephrologist (a specialist treating kidney disease) and a hematologist (specialist treating blood disorders). A dermatologist and neurologist are also specialists in this arena and when the heart is involved, a cardiologist is often involved. Endocrinologists can also be recruited to make a diagnosis of lupus in certain patients.

Treatment plans for lupus include preventing flare ups, preventing and reducing organ and joint damage, reducing swelling and pain of the joints, helping the immune system and balancing hormones. There is great progress in identifying patients who have lupus. One common finding in patients with lupus is a malar rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks. This “butterfly rash” resembles the shape of a butterfly and is one clue that the patient may present with a form of lupus.

For more information on lupus, do not hesitate to contact the clinic.

Dr. Mark McDonald, PT, DPT, OCS is a lifelong Sterling native and board certified orthopedic physical therapist with over two decades of practice in Sterling. He is a clinical partner with AB Fitness/Alma Blagg and Northeast Plains Home Health Care in Sterling.