Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus as it is more commonly known, is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves the immune system. The immune system is supposed to protect the body against foreign agents such as bacteria or viruses, but in lupus the immune system becomes confused and turns against itself, attacking and destroying healthy tissue. Lupus can affect virtually any organ in the body, such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood, skin, etc.

Systemic lupus is a multi-system disease, and before a multi-system disease can be diagnosed, there have to be symptoms in many parts of the body and lab work that supports the presence of a multi-system disease. Systemic lupus is also difficult to diagnose because it is a disease that does not typically develop rapidly, but rather develops slowly and evolves over time.

Physicians have to gather information from a variety of sources: past medical history, lab tests and current symptoms. They use a list of 11 criteria to help diagnose SLE. A person needs to satisfy at least 4 out of the 11 criteria before the diagnosis can be pinpointed (see list in What is Lupus? brochure). Some criteria, such as a biopsy diagnosis of kidney lupus, can carry more weight. Of the 11 criteria, 7 relate to symptoms, and 4 have to do with lab tests.

Cutaneous lupus is confined to the skin, whereas systemic lupus may involve not only the skin but any of the other organ systems in the body.

In approximately 10% of the cases of cutaneous lupus, it evolves and develops into systemic lupus. However, this can't be predicted or prevented from happening.

Systemic lupus is irreversible, whereas drug-induced lupus generally is reversible. The symptoms of drug-induced lupus generally DO NOT include: kidney involvement or central nervous system involvement

The lupus anticoagulant is classified as a type of antiphospholipid antibody that was first detected in people with lupus. It was later learned that many people who do not have lupus, also produce these antibodies. In fact, according to most studies, greater than 50% of the people who have antiphospolipid antibodies, DO NOT have lupus. So, just because a person has the lupus anticoagulant antibodies does not necessarily mean that they have or will develop systemic lupus.

Systemic lupus is irreversible, whereas drug-induced lupus generally is reversible when the drug is discontinued. The symptoms of drug-induced lupus generally DO NOT include kidney involvement or central nervous system involvement

Yes. Although these antibodies were first discovered in people who had lupus, it was later learned there are many people who produce these antibodies who do not have systemic lupus. References: see brochures, Blood Disorders in Lupus, and Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Multiple Sclerosis and lupus are both autoimmune diseases. They are diagnosed and treated in very different ways.

If multiple criteria are present simultaneously, the diagnosis may be made by any physician (Family Practitioner, Internist, Pediatrician). If however, as is often the case, symptoms develop gradually over time, the diagnosis may not be as obvious and consultation with a rheumatologist may be needed. If you are indeed developing lupus, there is no known way of arresting it.

Diet and Exercise for Systemic Lupus ErythematosusPeople with lupus should eat a nutritious diet and strengthen the body by being physically active. Things to consider are: Eat at least two fish meals a week: eicosopentanioc acid in fish oil has some anti-inflammatory properties Avoid alfalfa sprouts since they contain L-canavanine and can activate the immune system and increase inflammation in lupus patients.

Systemic inflammation is thought to be caused by a massive release of cytokines that spreads throughout the body. if it is severe and unchecked, it can lead to organ failure and death.

The cause of lupus remains unknown. It is believed that lupus has a genetic pre-disposition and something in the environment triggers the onset of the disease.

These symptoms can come or go, and can range from mild to severe. Most lupus patients have a combination of symptoms.