So far, scientists aren’t absolutely sure what causes lupus but they think it may have something to do with a STAT4 gene deficiency, which also plays a role in rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers at the Feinstein Institute in New York found that approximately 22% of the US population inherits the troublesome form of STAT4, which the body may see as foreign matter, thus attacking it. They say that patients with lupus are twice as likely to have this STAT4 variant. They also found that the gene was prevalent in Korea, which could explain why Asians are more susceptible to systemic lupus erythematosus. Women are also more at-risk for developing this painful autoimmune disease. However, if carefully monitored, most patients can live a normal life span.
There are five types of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus, which affects the joints and organs; discoid lupus, which affects the skin; sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which is characterized by skin lesions; drug-induced lupus that develops after a drug reaction; and neonatal lupus that affects newborns. Lupus signs include: fatigue, fever, weight loss/gain, joint pain/stiffness/swelling, butterfly rashes on the cheeks, skin lesions that worsen with sunlight, mouth sores, fingers and toes that turn white or blue in the cold, shortness of breath, chest pain, dry eyes, easy bruising, anxiety, depression and/or memory loss. The Lupus Foundation says there are no two cases of lupus that are exactly alike. Signs may emerge gradually or come on suddenly, and can be mild or severe. Most people have “flare-ups” or episodes. To test for lupus, your doctor will ask you some questions, run a standard physical, take urine and blood samples and perform an electrocardiogram.
Neonatal Lupus erythematosus (NLE) is a rare disorder that occurs when autoantibodies pass from mother to baby. Only 1% of infants with positive maternal autoantibodies develop NLE. Most babies with lupus do not require treatment, but the mortality rate is roughly 20% (due to heart failure). Infants with NLE may have heart, skin or blood abnormalities. Researchers cannot prove a definitive hereditary link between systemic lupus erythematosus and they say that mothers who have SLE are no more likely to pass on the disease to children than patients who are well.
Medicine for systemic lupus ranges from anti-inflammatories, such as iboprofen or corticosteroids to antimalerial drugs, or Retin-A and hydroxychloroquine aimed at clearing up skin manifestations. Rituximab is an intravenous antibody that suppresses “B” white blood cells that sometimes sends lupus into remission. It’s not uncommon for a lupus patient to undergo surgeries, transplants or other therapy, depending on the internal damage done. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for systemic lupus erythematosus. It’s important that patients get enough rest, as poor sleep quality is a major contributing factor to depression, chronic fatigue and worsening of symptoms. Dietary supplements of Omega-3 fish oils and exercise are generally recommended for all patients.
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