Systemic lupus erythematosusis a chronic inflammatory condition caused by anautoimmune disease. Anautoimmunedisease occurs when the body's tissues are attacked by its ownimmune system. Patients with lupus have unusual antibodies in their blood that are targeted against their own body tissues.
Lupuscan cause disease of the skin, heart,lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoidlupus. When internal organs are involved, the condition is calledsystemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). Up to 10% of people with discoidlupus(lupus limited to the skin) eventually develop the systemic form of lupus (SLE).
SLE is eight times more common in women than men. The causes of SLE are unknown. However,heredity,viruses, ultraviolet light, and drugs may all play a role.
Eleven criteria have been established for the diagnosis of SLE:
- 颧骨(在脸的脸颊)“蝴蝶”类风湿性关节炎sh
- Discoid skin rash: patchy redness that can cause scarring
- Photosensitivity: skin rash in reaction to sunlight exposure
- Mucus membrane ulcers:ulcerationof the lining of the mouth, nose, or throat
- Arthritis: two or more swollen, tender joints of the extremities
- Pleuritis/pericarditis: inflammation of the lining tissue around the heart or lungs, usually associated with chest pain with breathing
- Kidney abnormalities: abnormal amounts of urine protein or cellular elements
- Brain irritation: manifested by seizures (convulsions) and/orpsychosis
- Blood countabnormalities: low counts of white or red blood cells, or platelets
- Immunologic disorder: abnormal immune tests include anti-DNA or anti-Sm (Smith) antibodies, falsely positive blood test for syphilis, anticardiolipin antibodies, lupusanticoagulant, or positive LE prep test
- Antinuclear antibody: positiveANAantibody testing
The treatment of SLE is directed toward decreasing inflammation and/or the level of autoimmune activity. People with SLE can help prevent "flares" of disease by avoiding sun exposure and by not abruptly discontinuing medications.
