Lupus erythematosus is a complex disease of the immune system. If it becomes systemic and if not treated properly, patients die. Over the last twenty years, medicines have been introduced which have helped people survive. Scientists are continuing to research the underlying mechanisms of this disease.
Disease: Lupus Erythematosus
Last update: May 2005
Intro
FAQ
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What is it ?
Lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a disease of the immune system, which can cause severe inflammation in almost any organ of the body. It results from the body's immune system forming antibodies against its own tissues. If not treated properly the condition can be fatal.
Many patients develop a distinctive facial rash after exposure to sunlight. Other symptoms include fever, arthritis (inflammation of the joints) and pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs). Severe forms of lupus can also affect the kidneys and the nervous system. -
Who gets it?
Lupus is a relatively rare condition, affecting about 40 people in every 100,000, most of them women. It is more common in some populations, and family history of the disease is a strong risk factor.
It is estimated that around 200,000 patients in Europe suffer from lupus. -
What can be done about it?
The majority of lupus patients can be successfully treated with anti-inflammatory medications. As people all respond differently to these medications, it can be necessary to try a number of medicines before an effective response is achieved.
Medicines that suppress the immune system may be used in patients with severe lupus. Careful monitoring of these patients is essential to ensure that they do not become susceptible to serious infections. -
What does the future hold?
The key to developing effective lupus treatments will come from gaining a full understanding into how and why the body produces antibodies against itself. There is much active research in this area and a number of different compounds within the body are being investigated as potential treatment targets.
Research is also being conducted into treatments that may be able to reverse the chronic kidney damage that occurs in severe forms of lupus.