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Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the human immune system attacks the host's connective tissue cells as foreign.

Connective tissue is found almost everywhere, and most importantly, in the ubiquitous vessels.

Inflammation caused by lupus can affect a variety of organs and systems, including the skin, kidneys, blood, brain, heart, and lungs.

Lupus is not spread from person to person.

Science does not know the exact cause of lupus, like many other autoimmune diseases.

These diseases are most likely caused by genetic disorders in the immune system that make it possible for it to produce antibodies against its own host.

Lupus is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are varied and it can masquerade as other diseases. The most distinctive sign of lupus is erythema on the face that resembles butterfly wings spread across both cheeks of the patient (butterfly erythema). But this symptom does not occur in all cases of lupus.

There is no definitive treatment for lupus, but its symptoms can be controlled with medications.

Causes and Risk Factors of Lupus

A combination of external factors can push the autoimmune process forward. Moreover, some factors affect one person, but do not affect another.

Why this happens remains a mystery.

There are many possible causes of lupus:

Exposure to ultraviolet rays (sunlight) may cause lupus to develop or worsen its symptoms.
Female sex hormones do not cause lupus, but they do influence its course. Among them may be high-dose preparations of female sex hormones for the treatment of gynecological diseases. But this does not apply to taking low-dose oral contraceptives (OCs).
Smoking is considered a risk factor for lupus, which can cause the disease and worsen its course (especially vascular damage).
Some medications can aggravate the course of lupus (in each case, you should read the instructions for the drug).
Infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), parvovirus (erythema infectiosum), and hepatitis C can also cause lupus. Epstein-Barr virus is associated with lupus in children.
Chemicals can cause lupus. Among these substances, the first place is trichlorethylene (a narcotic substance used in the chemical industry). Hair dyes and fixatives, previously thought to be a cause of lupus, are now completely justified.

The following groups of people are more likely to develop lupus:

Women get lupus more often than men.
People of African descent suffer from lupus more often than whites.
People between the ages of 15 and 45 get sick most often.
Heavy smokers (according to some studies).
People with a family history.
People regularly taking medications associated with a risk of lupus (sulfonamides, some antibiotics, hydralazine).

Medicines that cause lupus

One of the common causes of lupus is the use of drugs and other chemicals. In the United States, one of the main drugs associated with drug-induced SLE is hydralazine (about 20% of cases), as well as procainamide (up to 20%), quinidine, minocycline, and isoniazid.

Drugs most commonly associated with lupus include calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, TNF-alpha antagonists, thiazide diuretics, and terbinafine (an antifungal drug).

The following groups of drugs are commonly associated with drug-induced SLE:

Antibiotics: minocycline and isoniazid.
Antipsychotic drugs: Chloropromazine.
Biological agents: interleukins, interferons.
Antihypertensive drugs: methyldopa, hydralazine, captopril.
Hormonal drugs: leuprolide.
Inhaled drugs for COPD: tiotropium bromide.
Antiarrhythmic drugs: procainamide and quinidine.
Anti-inflammatory: sulfasalazine and penicillamine.
Antifungal: terbinafine, griseofulvin and voriconazole.
Hypocholesterolemic: lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, gemfibrozil.
Anticonvulsants: valproic acid, ethosuximide, carbamazepine, hydantoin.
Other drugs: eye drops with timolol, TNF-alpha inhibitors, sulfonamide drugs, high-dose drugs of female sex hormones.

Additional list of drugs that cause lupus:

Amiodarone.
Atenolol.
Acebutolol.
Bupropion.
Hydroxychloroquine.
Hydrochlorothiazide.
Glyburide.
Diltiazem.
Doxycycline.
Doxorubicin.
Docetaxel.
Gold and its salts.
Imiquimod.
Lamotrigine.
Lansoprazole.
Lithium and its salts.
Mephenytoin.
Nitrofurantoin.
Olanzapine.
Omeprazole.
Practolol.
Propylthiouracil.
Reserpine.
Rifampicin.
Sertalin.
Tetracycline.
Ticlopidine.
Trimethadione.
Phenylbutazone.
Phenytoin.
Fluorouracil.
Cefepime.
Cimetidine.
Esomeprazole.

Sometimes systemic lupus erythematosus is caused by chemicals that enter the body from the environment. This only happens to some people, for a reason that is not yet clear.

These chemicals include:

Some insecticides.
Some metal compounds.
Eosin (fluorescent liquid in lipsticks).
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

Lupus symptoms

Lupus symptoms vary widely because the disease can affect different organs. Whole volumes of medical manuals have been written about the symptoms of this complex disease. We can look at them briefly.

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Symptoms of lupus can appear suddenly or develop gradually; they can be temporary or bother the patient for life. In most patients, lupus is relatively mild, with periodic exacerbations when the symptoms of the disease become worse and then subside or disappear altogether.

Symptoms of lupus may include:

Fatigue and weakness.
Increase in temperature.
Pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints.
Erythema on the face in the form of a butterfly.
Skin lesions worsened by sun.
Raynaud's phenomenon (decreased blood flow in the fingers).
Breathing problems.
Chest pain.
Dry eyes.
Memory loss.
Impaired consciousness.
Headaches.

It is almost impossible to suspect that you have lupus before visiting a doctor. Seek advice if you have an unusual rash, fever, joint pain, or fatigue.

Diagnosis of lupus

Diagnosing lupus can be very difficult due to the variety of manifestations of the disease. Lupus symptoms can change over time and resemble other diseases. Diagnosing lupus may require a range of tests:

1. General blood test.

This analysis determines the content of red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, and hemoglobin. Anemia may be present in lupus. Low white blood cell and platelet counts may also indicate lupus.

2. Determination of ESR indicator.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is determined by how quickly the red blood cells from your blood settle in a prepared blood sample to the bottom of the tube. ESR is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/h). A rapid erythrocyte sedimentation rate may indicate inflammation, including autoimmune inflammation, as with lupus. But ESR also increases with cancer, other inflammatory diseases, even with a common cold.

3. Assessment of liver and kidney functions.

Blood tests can show how well your kidneys and liver are working. This is determined by the level of liver enzymes in the blood and the level of toxic substances that the kidneys must cope with. Lupus can affect both the liver and kidneys.

4. Urine tests.

Your urine sample may show elevated levels of protein or red blood cells. This indicates kidney damage, which can occur with lupus.

5. Analysis for ANA.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are special proteins that are produced by the immune system. A positive ANA test may indicate lupus, although it can also occur in other diseases. If your ANA test is positive, your doctor may order other tests.

6. Chest X-ray.

Taking an image of the chest can help detect inflammation or fluid in the lungs. This may be a sign of lupus or other diseases that affect the lungs.

7. Echocardiography.

Echocardiography (EchoCG) is a technique that uses sound waves to produce a real-time image of the beating heart. An echocardiogram can reveal problems with the heart valves and more.

8. Biopsy.

A biopsy, the removal of a sample of an organ for testing, is widely used in the diagnosis of various diseases. Lupus often affects the kidneys, so your doctor may order a biopsy of your kidneys. This procedure is carried out using a long needle after preliminary anesthesia, so there is nothing to worry about. The resulting piece of tissue will help identify the cause of your illness.

Lupus treatment

Treatment for lupus is very complex and lengthy. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease's symptoms and requires a serious discussion with your doctor about the risks and benefits of any given therapy. Your doctor should monitor your treatment regularly. If the symptoms of the disease subside, he may change the drug or reduce the dose. If an exacerbation occurs, it’s the other way around.

Current drugs for the treatment of lupus:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as naproxen (Anaprox, Nalgesin, Floginas) and ibuprofen (Nurofen, Ibuprom) can be used to treat inflammation, swelling, and pain caused by lupus. Stronger NSAIDs, such as diclofenac (Olfen), are available as prescribed by your doctor. Side effects of NSAIDs include abdominal pain, stomach bleeding, kidney problems and an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The latter is especially true for celecoxib and rofecoxib, which are not recommended for older people.

2. Antimalarial drugs.

Medicines commonly prescribed to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), help control lupus symptoms. Side effects: stomach discomfort and retinal damage (very rare).

3. Corticosteroid hormones.

Corticosteroid hormones are powerful drugs that fight inflammation in lupus. Among them are methylprednisolone, prednisolone, dexamethasone. These drugs are prescribed only by a doctor. They have long-term side effects: weight gain, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, risk of diabetes and susceptibility to infections. The higher the dose you use and the longer the course of treatment, the higher the risk of side effects.

4. Immunosuppressants.

Drugs that suppress the immune system can be very helpful for lupus and other autoimmune diseases. Among them are cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), azathioprine (Imuran), mycophenolate, leflunomide, methotrexate and others. Possible side effects: susceptibility to infections, liver damage, decreased fertility, risk of many types of cancer. A newer drug, belimumab (Benlysta), also reduces inflammation in lupus. Its side effects include fever, nausea and diarrhea. If you have lupus, there are several steps you can take to help yourself. Simple measures can make flare-ups less frequent and improve your quality of life.

Try this:

1. Adequate rest.

People with lupus experience constant fatigue, which is different from that of healthy people and does not go away with rest. For this reason, you may have a hard time judging when to stop and rest. Develop a gentle daily routine for yourself and follow it.

2. Beware of the sun.

Ultraviolet rays can trigger lupus flare-ups, so you should wear covered clothing and avoid walking in hot rays. Choose darker sunglasses and a cream with SPF of at least 55 (for particularly sensitive skin).

3. Eat a healthy diet.

A healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Sometimes you will have to endure dietary restrictions, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney problems or gastrointestinal problems. Take this seriously.

4. Exercise regularly.

Exercising as approved by your doctor will help you get in better shape and recover faster from flare-ups. In the long term, fitness reduces the risk of heart attack, obesity and diabetes.

5. Stop smoking.

Among other things, smoking can worsen the damage to the heart and blood vessels caused by lupus.

Alternative medicine and lupus

Sometimes alternative medicine can help people with lupus. But we should not forget that it is unconventional precisely because its effectiveness and safety have not been proven. Be sure to discuss any alternative treatments you want to try with your doctor.

Unconventional methods of treating lupus known in the West:

1. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

Dietary supplements containing this hormone may help reduce the dose of steroids a patient receives. DHEA relieves symptoms in some patients.

2. Flax seed.

Flaxseed contains a fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, which may reduce inflammation. Some studies have shown the ability of flax seeds to improve kidney function in lupus patients. Side effects include bloating and abdominal pain.

3. Fish oil.

Dietary fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may be beneficial for lupus. Preliminary studies have shown promising results. Side effects of fish oil include nausea, vomiting, belching and a fishy taste in the mouth.

4. Vitamin D

There is some evidence that this vitamin improves symptoms in people with lupus. True, scientific data on this issue is very limited.

Complications of lupus

Inflammation caused by lupus can affect different organs.

This leads to numerous complications:

1. Kidneys.

Kidney failure is one of the leading causes of death in lupus patients. Signs of kidney problems include itching all over the body, pain, nausea, vomiting, and swelling.

2. Brain.

If the brain is affected by lupus, the patient may experience headaches, dizziness, behavioral changes, and hallucinations. Sometimes seizures and even strokes occur. Many people with lupus have problems with memory and expression.

3. Blood.

Lupus can cause blood disorders such as anemia and thrombocytopenia. The latter is manifested by a tendency to bleeding.

4. Blood vessels.

With lupus, the blood vessels of various organs can become inflamed. This is called vasculitis. The risk of vascular inflammation increases if the patient smokes.

5. Lungs.

Lupus increases the likelihood of inflammation of the pleura, called pleurisy, which can make breathing painful and difficult.

6. Heart.

Antibodies can attack the heart muscle (myocarditis), the sac around the heart (pericarditis), and large arteries. This leads to an increased risk of heart attack and other serious complications.

7. Infections.

People with lupus become vulnerable to infection, especially as a result of treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants. The most common infections are genitourinary system and respiratory infections. Common pathogens: yeast, salmonella, herpes virus.

8. Avascular necrosis of bones.

This condition is also known as aseptic or non-infectious necrosis. Occurs when the blood supply to the bones decreases, leading to fragility and easy destruction of bone tissue. Problems often arise with the hip joint, which experiences heavy loads.

9. Complications of pregnancy.

Women with lupus have a high risk of miscarriage. Lupus increases the likelihood of preeclampsia and premature birth. To reduce your risk, your doctor may advise you not to conceive until at least 6 months have passed since your last outbreak.

10. Cancer.

Lupus is associated with an increased risk of many types of cancer. In fact, some lupus drugs (immunosuppressants) themselves increase this risk.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease with one of the most complex pathogenesis and a still unclear etymology, classified as a group of autoimmune diseases. One of the variants of the course of lupus erythematosus is Libman-Sachs disease, in which the heart is damaged, but in general the clinical manifestations of the disease are the same. The disease has gender differences, which are explained by the distinctive structural features of the female body. The main risk group is women. To protect yourself from pathology, you should know the main factors that contribute to the occurrence of the disease.

It is difficult for specialists to establish a specific cause that explains the development of lupus. Theoretically, it is possible to identify genetic predisposition and hormonal disorders in the body as one of the main root causes of systemic lupus. However, a combination of certain factors can also affect the formation of the disease.

Possible factors provoking lupus erythematosus

Cause	Brief description
Hereditary factor	When one of the blood relatives has a history of lupus erythematosus, it is possible that the child may have a similar autoimmune lesion
Bacterial-viral factor	According to research data, it was established that the Epstein-Bar virus was present in all representatives of the disease, therefore, experts do not reject the version of the connection between these viral cells and lupus
Hormonal disorder	During periods of maturation, the lupus activation factor increases in girls. There is a risk that when estrogen levels increase in a young body, there is a predisposition to an autoimmune disease
UV exposure	If a person is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time or regularly visits a solarium, mutation processes may occur that provoke connective tissue pathology. Subsequently, lupus erythematosus develops

Causes of lupus erythematosus in women

It is impossible to reliably identify the reasons that explain the frequent incidence of this pathology in women, since scientists have not fully studied the etymology of the disease. Despite this, a number of factors have been identified that predispose to the development of lupus:

1. Visiting the solarium with increased regularity, staying in the open sunlight.
2. Pregnancy and postpartum period.
3. Stressful situations that occur with a certain regularity (lead to hormonal disorders).

Attention! Additionally, the manifestation of lupus in women can be influenced by the body's allergic reaction to certain foods, unfavorable environment and genetic predisposition.

Causes of lupus erythematosus in men

There are even fewer root causes that explain the development of lupus in men, but their nature is similar to the provoking factors of the disease in women - hormonal instability in the body, frequent stressful situations. So, it has been established that the male body is vulnerable to lupus erythematosus when testosterone levels are reduced, while prolactin levels are elevated. In addition to these reasons, one should add all of the above general factors that predispose to the disease, regardless of gender differences.

This is important! The course of the disease in men may differ from the symptoms in women, since different body systems are affected. According to statistics, joints are damaged. It is distinctive that in men, against the background of pathology, additional diseases develop, such as nephritis, vasculitis, and hematological disorders.

At-risk groups

1. The presence of an infectious chronic disease.
2. Immunodeficiency syndrome.
3. Damage to the skin by dermatitis of various natures.
4. Frequent ARVI.
5. The presence of bad habits.
6. Hormonal imbalances.
7. Excess of ultraviolet rays.
8. Pathologies of the endocrine system.
9. Pregnancy period, postpartum period.

How the disease develops

When the protective functions of the immune system in a healthy body are reduced, the risk of activation of antibodies directed against one’s cells increases. Based on this, the internal organs and all tissue structures of the body begin to be perceived by the immune system as foreign bodies, therefore, the body’s self-destruction program is activated, leading to typical symptoms.

The pathogenic nature of this reaction of the body leads to the development of various inflammatory processes that begin to destroy healthy cells.

Reference! Mainly, in pathological lupus, blood vessels and connective tissue structures are affected.

The pathological process that occurs under the influence of lupus erythematosus leads to a violation of the integrity of the skin in the first place. In areas where the lesion is localized, blood circulation is reduced. The progression of the disease leads to the fact that not only the skin, but also the internal organs suffer.

Symptomatic signs

Symptoms of the disease directly depend on the location of the lesion and the severity of the disease. Experts identify common signs that confirm the diagnosis:

• constant feeling of malaise and weakness;
• deviations from normal temperature, sometimes fever;
• if there are chronic ailments, their course becomes aggravated;
• The skin is affected by flaky red spots.

The initial stages of the pathology do not differ in pronounced symptoms, however, periods of exacerbations may be observed, followed by remissions. Such manifestations of the disease are very dangerous; the patient is mistaken, considering the absence of symptoms as recovery, and therefore does not seek competent help from a doctor. As a result, all systems in the body are gradually affected. Under the influence of irritating factors, the disease progresses rapidly and manifests itself with more severe symptoms. The course of the disease in this case becomes more complicated.

Late symptoms

After years of development of the pathology, different symptoms may be observed. For example, the blood-forming organs may be damaged. Multiple organ manifestations are not excluded, which include the following changes:

1. An inflammatory process that affects the kidneys.
2. Disturbances in the activity of the brain and central nervous system (resulting in psychosis, frequent headaches, memory problems, dizziness, convulsions).
3. Inflammatory processes of blood vessels (vasculitis is diagnosed).
4. Blood-related illnesses (signs of anemia, blood clots).
5. Heart disease (signs of myocarditis or pericarditis).
6. Inflammatory processes affecting the lungs (causing pneumonia).

Carefully! If some of these symptoms appear, you should urgently go to a specialist. Lupus erythematosus is a fairly dangerous disease and therefore requires urgent treatment. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.

How does the treatment process work?

After a detailed examination through immunomorphological examination and luminescent diagnostics, an accurate diagnosis is established. To fully understand the clinical picture, it is necessary to examine all internal organs. Then the specialist directs all actions to eliminate the chronic infection.

The approximate treatment regimen includes the following manipulations:

1. Administration of quinoline drugs (for example, Plaquenol).
2. The use of corticosteroid drugs in small dosages (Dexamethasone).
3. Taking vitamin-mineral complexes (in particular B vitamins).
4. Taking nicotinic acid.
5. Use of immunocorrective drugs (Tactivin).
6. External treatment, which involves percutaneous injection. You can use Hingamin for this.
7. Additionally, external ointments of a corticosteroid nature (Sinalar) should be used.
8. Ulcerative skin manifestations require the use of antibiotic-based ointments and various antiseptics (Oxycort).

Please note that lupus erythematosus must be treated in a hospital setting. In this case, the course of therapy will be very long and continuous. Treatment will consist of two directions: the first is aimed at eliminating the acute form of manifestation and severe symptoms, the second is suppressing the disease as a whole.

More details about the disease can be found in the video.

Video - Information about the disease lupus erythematosus

Video - Lupus erythematosus: routes of infection, prognosis, consequences, life expectancy

Lupus erythematosus is a rather dangerous and, unfortunately, common disease. The situation is complicated by the fact that today the causes of this disease have not been fully studied, which, accordingly, does not make it possible to find a truly effective cure.

So what is this disease? Why does it appear? What symptoms does it accompany? How dangerous can it be? The answers to these questions will be of interest to many.

Lupus erythematosus - what is it?

In fact, today many people are interested in the question of what this disease is. Lupus erythematosus belongs to a group of autoimmune diseases that develop against the background of certain malfunctions of the immune system. This disease is accompanied by connective tissue dystrophy, and it can affect both the skin and mucous membranes, and all internal organs.

Unfortunately, the causes and mechanisms of development of this disease are not well understood. However, there are some interesting statistics. For example, such skin diseases are diagnosed in women almost ten times more often than in men. Lupus is most common in countries with a maritime, humid climate, although residents of other climates also suffer from it. People aged 20 to 45 years are most susceptible to the disease, although, on the other hand, symptoms of the disease can appear in adolescence and even in infancy.

A little history

Lupus erythematosus is a disease that has been known to mankind for centuries. By the way, its name arose in medieval times and in Latin sounded like lupus erythematodes. The fact is that the characteristic butterfly-shaped rash on the face of a sick person was somewhat reminiscent of the marks left after the bite of a hungry wolf.

The first descriptions of this disease in medical literature appeared in 1828. It was at this time that the French dermatologist Biette described the main skin signs of the disease. And 45 years later, the famous doctor Kaposi noticed that some patients had not only skin symptoms, but also damage to internal organs. In 1890, the English physician and researcher Osler noted that lupus can occur without the appearance of a characteristic skin rash.

The first tests for the presence of this disease appeared in 1948. But it was only in 1954 that specific antibodies were first discovered in the blood of patients, which were produced by the human body and attacked its own cells. It was these substances that began to be used to develop tests. By the way, such tests are extremely important in diagnostics to this day.

Lupus erythematosus: causes of the disease

This disease accounts for approximately 5-10% of chronic skin diseases. And today, many people are interested in questions about why lupus erythematosus occurs, how the disease is transmitted and whether it can be avoided.

Unfortunately, today there are no clear answers to these questions. There are many theories about the development of lupus. In particular, some researchers point to the presence of a genetic predisposition. On the other hand, genes encoding such a disease have never been found. Moreover, the likelihood of developing lupus in a child whose parents suffer from this disease is only 5-10%.

And, of course, this is not the only factor under the influence of which lupus erythematosus develops. The reasons may lie in the functioning of the endocrine system. In particular, many women with this diagnosis have increased amounts of prolactin and progesterone in their blood. In addition, the disease often manifests itself during puberty or during pregnancy.

There is also a theory about the infectious origin of lupus. For example, patients are often diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus. And recent studies have shown that the genetic material of some bacterial microorganisms is capable of stimulating the production of specific autoimmune antibodies.

Allergic reactions can also be considered risk factors, since the entry of an allergen into the body can lead to the appearance of signs of lupus. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, high and too low temperatures is considered no less dangerous.

Therefore, today the question of the causes of lupus erythematosus still remains open. Most scientists believe that this disease develops under the influence of a complex of factors.

Classification of the disease

Lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease. Accordingly, with such an illness, periods of relative well-being are replaced by exacerbations. Depending on the initial symptoms, in modern medicine there are several forms of this disease:

• The acute form of lupus erythematosus begins quickly - in most cases, patients can even pinpoint the exact day when the first symptoms appeared. People usually complain of fever, severe weakness, body aches and joint pain. Most often, after 1-2 months, a fully formed clinical picture can be observed in such a patient - there are also signs of damage to internal organs. Often this form of the disease leads to the death of the patient 1-2 years after the onset of the disease.
• In the subacute form of the disease, the symptoms do not appear so clearly. Moreover, more than a year can pass from the moment of their appearance to the destruction of internal systems.
• Chronic lupus erythematosus is a disease that develops over years. Periods of relative well-being of the body can last quite a long time. But under the influence of certain environmental factors (hormonal imbalances, ultraviolet radiation), the first symptoms begin to appear. In most cases, patients complain of the appearance of a characteristic rash on the face. But damage to internal organs with properly selected treatment appears quite rarely.

Mechanism of disease development

In fact, the mechanism of development of this disease is still under study. Nevertheless, some information is still known to modern medicine. One way or another, autoimmune skin diseases are primarily associated with disruption of the immune system. Under the influence of one or another factor in the external or internal environment, the body’s defense system begins to identify the genetic material of certain cells as foreign.

Thus, the body begins to produce specific antibody proteins that attack the body’s own cells. With lupus erythematosus, damage occurs mainly to connective tissue elements.

After the interaction of antibody and antigen, so-called immune protein complexes are formed, which can be fixed in various organs, as they are carried throughout the body along with the bloodstream. Such protein compounds cause damage to connective tissue cells of a particular organ and often lead to the development of an immune inflammatory process.

This is roughly what the mechanism of development of this disease looks like. Moreover, circulating freely in human blood, immune complexes can provoke the development of thrombosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia and other quite dangerous diseases.

Lupus erythematosus: symptoms and photos

It is immediately worth noting that the clinical picture for such a disease may look different. So what are the signs that accompany lupus erythematosus? The cutaneous form (photo) is the most common. The main symptoms include the appearance of erythema. In particular, one of the most characteristic signs is a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, which covers the skin of the cheeks, nose, and sometimes extends to the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle.

In addition, erythema can appear in other places - the disease mainly affects exposed skin on the chest, shoulders and forearms. Areas of redness can have different shapes and sizes. As the disease progresses, the affected areas become inflamed, followed by swelling. Eventually, areas of skin atrophy form on the skin, where the scarring process begins.

Of course, these are not the only signs of lupus erythematosus. Sometimes patients may notice characteristic pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet. The disease can also affect the hair; baldness is often added to the problems of patients. Symptoms also include changes in the nail plate, as well as gradual atrophy of the tissues of the periungual fold.

There are other disorders that accompany lupus erythematosus. The disease (the photo shows some of its manifestations) often causes damage to the mucous membranes of the nose, nasopharynx and oral cavity. As a rule, red but painless ulcers first form, which then develop into erosion. In some cases, patients develop aphthous stomatitis.

In approximately 90% of cases, joint damage is observed. Arthritis is another of the pathologies that lupus erythematosus causes. The disease (the photo shows its obvious signs) most often causes inflammation in small joints, for example on the hands. The inflammatory process in this case is symmetrical, but is rarely accompanied by deformities. Patients complain of pain and a feeling of stiffness. Complications also include necrosis of articular tissues; sometimes ligamentous structures are involved in the process.

Lupus erythematosus often affects the connective tissues of the respiratory system. The most common complications include pleurisy, which is accompanied by the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, shortness of breath and chest pain. In more severe cases, the disease causes pneumonitis and pulmonary hemorrhages - these are dangerous conditions that require emergency medical attention.

The inflammatory process can also affect the connective tissues of the heart. For example, a fairly common complication is endocarditis, as well as damage to the mitral valve. With this pathology, inflammation leads to fusion of the valve leaflets. Some patients with lupus are diagnosed with pericarditis, in which there is significant thickening of the walls of the heart sac and accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity. It is also possible to develop myocarditis, which is characterized by an enlarged heart and chest pain.

Lupus can also affect the vascular system. In particular, the coronary arteries (vessels that supply the heart muscle) and the arteries of the brain are most susceptible to inflammation. By the way, ischemia and stroke are considered one of the most common causes of early mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Dangerous complications include lupus nephritis, which often develops into acute or chronic renal failure. Damages to the central nervous system are also common, which are accompanied by migraines, cerebral ataxia, epileptic seizures, loss of vision, etc.

In any case, it is worth understanding that lupus is an extremely dangerous disease. And at the slightest suspicion, a person should immediately consult a doctor and under no circumstances refuse the therapy proposed by a specialist.

Features of the disease in children

According to statistics, over the past decade the number of patients with a similar diagnosis has increased by almost 45%. In most cases, the disease is diagnosed in adulthood. However, the possibility of its development much earlier cannot be ruled out. By the way, lupus erythematosus in children most often begins to develop at the age of 8-10 years, although the appearance of symptoms at an earlier age is also possible.

The clinical picture in this case corresponds to the course of the disease in adult patients. The first symptoms are erythema, dermatitis, fever. Therapy is selected individually, but necessarily includes taking hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs.

With properly selected treatment and compliance with preventive measures, the life expectancy of a child after the first symptoms appear is from 7 to 20 years. The causes of death, as a rule, are systemic lesions of the body, in particular the development of renal failure.

Modern diagnostic methods

It is immediately worth noting that only a doctor can diagnose lupus erythematosus. Diagnosis in this case is quite complex and includes a lot of different procedures and studies. In 1982, the American Rheumatological Association developed a special symptom scale. Patients with lupus typically present with the following disorders:

• Erythema on the face, which is shaped like a butterfly.
• Discoid rash on the skin.
• Photosensitivity - the rash becomes more pronounced after exposure to ultraviolet radiation (for example, prolonged exposure to the sun).
• Painless ulcers on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx or oral cavity.
• Joint inflammation (arthritis), but no deformity.
• Pleurisy and pericarditis.
• Kidney damage.
• Various disorders of the central nervous system.
• Hematological disorders, including thrombocytopenia or anemia.
• Increased number of antinuclear bodies.
• Various disorders of the immune system (for example, people with lupus may experience a false-positive Wassermann reaction, and no traces of treponema are found in the body).

In order to detect the presence of certain symptoms, various tests will be needed. In particular, urine, blood tests, serotological and immunological studies. If a patient has four or more of the above criteria during the diagnostic process, this in most cases indicates the presence of lupus erythematosus. On the other hand, some patients exhibit no more than 2-3 signs throughout their lives.

Is there an effective treatment?

Of course, many patients are interested in the question of whether it is possible to permanently get rid of the disease called lupus erythematosus. Treatment, of course, exists. And correctly selected therapy allows you to avoid complications and improve the quality of life. Unfortunately, medications that can permanently rid the body of the disease have not yet been developed.

What does therapy look like? After diagnosis, the doctor decides whether treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis. In turn, indications for hospitalization are:

• a sharp and persistent increase in body temperature;
• the presence of neurological complications;
• the occurrence of dangerous complications, including pneumonitis and renal failure;
• a significant decrease in the number of blood cells.

Naturally, the treatment regimen in this case is selected individually for each patient immediately after the diagnosis of lupus erythematosus is made. Treatment usually involves taking steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular Prednisolone. To eliminate rashes and dermatitis, various hormonal ointments or creams (Elocom, Fucicort) can be used.

For fever and joint pain, the patient is prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, the use of immunomodulatory agents is appropriate. Sometimes patients are recommended to take multivitamin complexes. The presence of certain complications requires additional consultation with a specialist. For example, if the kidneys are damaged, the patient needs to be examined by a nephrologist, who will then prescribe adequate treatment.

Basic preventive measures

Today, many patients or their loved ones are interested in questions about how to treat lupus erythematosus and whether there is a means to prevent this disease. Unfortunately, there are no medications that can protect against this disease. Nevertheless, following certain rules helps to slow down the process or avoid another exacerbation.

To begin with, it is worth noting that in most patients lupus erythematosus (the cutaneous form of the disease in particular) worsens due to overheating or after prolonged exposure to the scorching rays of the sun. That is why experts recommend that people with a similar diagnosis avoid prolonged sunbathing, refuse to visit solariums, and in sunny weather protect their skin with clothing, hats, umbrellas, etc.

For some patients, high temperatures pose a danger, so doctors often recommend avoiding visits to saunas, steam baths, hot production workshops, etc. And before planning a vacation on the seashore, you should definitely consult with your doctor.

Since this disease is associated with disorders of the immune system, naturally, you need to try to avoid allergic reactions. Before using any medicine or cosmetic product (including even decorative cosmetics), you need to ask your doctor's permission. Diet is also extremely important - highly allergenic foods should be excluded from the diet. And, of course, you need to follow all the doctor’s instructions, undergo medical examinations on time and not refuse medication treatment.

When mentioning lupus erythematosus, many patients do not understand what we are talking about, and there is a wolf here. This is explained by the fact that the manifestation of the disease on the skin in the Middle Ages was considered similar to the bites of a wild animal.

The Latin word "erythematosus" means "red" and "lupus" means "wolf." The disease is characterized by complex development, complications and incompletely understood causes. There are the following forms of pathology: cutaneous (discoid, disseminated, subacute) and systemic (generalized, severe, acute), neonatal (found in young children).

Drug-induced lupus syndrome also occurs and is caused by taking medications. The following names for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are found in the medical literature: Liebman-Sachs disease, erythematous chroniosepsis.

What is lupus erythematosus

SLE is a connective tissue disease accompanied by its immune complex lesion. In systemic autoimmune disease, antibodies produced by the immune system harm healthy cells. Women are more susceptible to pathology than men.

In 2016, singer Selen Gomez was diagnosed with the disease. As a result, the girl said that she knew about the disease in 2013. At the age of 25, she had to undergo a kidney transplant.

The famous singer is fighting the disease

According to Wikipedia, according to the nature of symptoms, causes of occurrence, the classification of systemic lupus erythematosus according to ICD-10 is as follows:

• SKV – M 32;
• SLE caused by medication – M 32.0;
• SLE, accompanied by damage to various body systems - M 32.1;
• SLE, other forms – M 32.8;
• SLE, unspecified – M 32.9.

Symptoms of autoimmune lupus erythematosus

Common symptoms of an autoimmune disease include:

• increase in temperature;
• fatigue;
• weakness;
• poor appetite, weight loss;
• fever;
• baldness;
• vomiting and diarrhea;
• muscle pain, aching joints;
• pain in the head.

The first signs of lupus include an increase in body temperature. It is difficult to understand how the disease begins, but fever appears at first. Temperature with lupus erythematosus can be over 38 degrees. The listed symptoms do not serve as a reason for making a diagnosis. If you suspect systemic lupus, you should focus on manifestations that clearly characterize the pathology.

A characteristic sign of the disease is a butterfly-shaped rash located on the cheeks and bridge of the nose. The earlier the disease is detected, the lower the risk of complications.

Photo of what systemic lupus erythematosus looks like

Many people are interested in the question of whether lupus erythematosus itches - with the pathology, no itching is observed. Systemic lupus erythematosus affects not only the condition of the skin, as in the photo above, but also the health of internal organs, and therefore causes serious complications.

Characteristic signs of lupus

Every 15th patient with the pathology has symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome, characterized by dry mouth, eyes, and in women, vagina. In some cases, the disease begins with Raynaud's syndrome - this is when the tip of the nose, fingers, and ears become numb or white. The listed unpleasant symptoms occur due to stress or hypothermia.

If the disease progresses, systemic lupus will manifest itself through periods of remission and exacerbation. The danger of lupus is that all organs and systems of the body are gradually involved in the pathological process.

System of criteria for diagnosing lupus

For SLE, American rheumatologists use a special system of criteria for diagnosis. If a patient exhibits 4 of the symptoms described below, then a diagnosis of “systemic lupus” is made. Also, knowing these symptoms will help you conduct self-diagnosis and consult a doctor in time:

• the appearance of antinuclear antibodies;
• the appearance of a red rash not only on the nose, cheeks, but also on the back of the hand, in the décolleté area;
• immunological disorders;
• lung damage;
• formation of disc-shaped scales on the chest, scalp, face;
• hematological disorders;
• hypersensitivity of the skin to exposure to sunlight;
• unexplained seizures and feeling of depression (pathologies of the central nervous system):
• the occurrence of ulcers in the mouth and throat;
• renal dysfunction;
• motor stiffness, swelling and pain in the joints;
• damage to the peritoneum and heart muscle.

SLE disability and complications

Suppressed immunity during illness makes the body defenseless against bacterial and viral infections. Therefore, to reduce the risk of complications, it is necessary to minimize contact with other people. Upon diagnosis, study or work is interrupted for a year, issuing a 2nd group of disability.

The inflammatory process that accompanies systemic lupus affects various organs, causing severe complications, such as:

• renal failure;
• hallucinations;
• headaches;
• behavior change;
• dizziness;
• stroke;
• problems with expression, memory and speech;
• seizures;
• tendency to bleeding (with thrombocytopenia);
• disorders in the blood composition (anemia);
• vasculitis or inflammation of the blood vessels of various organs (the disease worsens in a smoker);
• pleurisy;
• disorders of the cardiac system;
• pathogens in the genitourinary system and respiratory infections;
• non-infectious or aseptic necrosis (destruction and fragility of bone tissue);
• oncology.

Consequences of lupus during pregnancy

Lupus in pregnant women increases the risk of premature birth and preeclampsia (complications of normal pregnancy that occur in the 2nd-3rd trimester). With the disease, the likelihood of miscarriage increases.

If a woman plans to become pregnant, the doctor recommends refraining from conceiving. The period is determined as follows: six months must have passed since the last exacerbation of the disease.

Life expectancy and prognosis

Lupus patients wonder how long people live with systemic lupus. It all depends on the degree of development of the pathological process.

Today, 70% of patients with symptoms of the disease live more than 20 years from the moment of detection. The prognosis for these patients is improving as new treatments are constantly being developed.

Video: systemic lupus erythematosus, how to protect yourself from immune cells