Systemic Lupus Erythematosis
Systemic lupus erythematosis is an autoimmune condition affecting connective tissue. It's called lupus erythematosis because in the classic case there is a red rash (erythema) over the nose and cheeks (vaguely in the shape of a wolf’s face, and so ‘lupus’). The underlying disease process can be initiated by a number of different autoantibodies, often against constituents of the cell nucleus, and therefore called anti-nuclear antibodies. The inflammation involving blood vessels can affect any part of the body - skin to produce rashes, particularly on exposure to sun or ultraviolet light, the joints to cause arthritis, the mouth to produce ulcers, the brain to produce psychiatric disorder, convulsions or headaches; the kidneys causing nephritis which may lead to nephrotic syndrome and renal failure, problems of circulation to produce cold blue extremities. Why this condition develops is unknown; both genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved, since many people who suffer from SLE have a relative who suffers SLE or a related condition, and a similar disorder may be induced by the use of certain drugs such as hydralazine (sometimes used in the treatment of high blood pressure).
The treatment of systemic lupus erythematosis depends upon the severity of the disease: mild cases involving skin and joint may respond to treatment with anti-malarial agents such as hydroxychloroquine and strong sun blocking creams; moderate disease involving other organs may require immunosuppression using corticosteroids, while severe life-threatening disease may need immunosuppression using more powerful agents. Those who also have anti-phospholipid antibodies (the syndrome described in this section) may need treatment to thin the blood.
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