Types of lupus erythematosus (LE) include “discoid” (round lesions and scarring affecting the skin), “neonatal” (present at birth), “drug-induced” (resulting from illegal drug-use or prescription ones) and “systemic” (multi-organ, tissues, blood vessels and cells). Patients diagnosed with discoid LE, are at high risk for developing the systemic type. Many patients with LE go on to develop other autoimmune diseases as well, such as those affecting endocrine glands (i.e. thyroid, pancreas and adrenals) and rheumatoid arthritis.
Who is Affected by LE?
The disease affects approximately one million Americans, with about 90% of those patients being women. Research published by the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) states that African American women are at higher risk for developing the disease. Approximately 1 in 250 black women will contract the disease by early adulthood. It is also more common in Hispanic Asian and Native American women than in Caucasians.
Auto-antibodies and Inflammation
For reasons yet to be fully determined by medical research, the body will turn against itself with autoimmune diseases, resulting in the creation of auto-antibodies that begin to attack natural tissues, organs or cells in the body. With LE, the organs that are attacked can include the kidneys, lungs, skin, blood vessels (vasculitis) and blood cells (hemolytic anemia).
In addition to these specific antibodies, the disease is also characterized by “anti-nuclear antibodies” (ANA) that indicate systemic autoimmunity occurring in the body. If these antibodies are found to be positive when they are blood-tested for, this can help to diagnose LE.
The disease causes systemic inflammation in the body, rather than localized inflammation such as that found in autoimmune thyroid diseases for example, which usually cause limited inflammation. Another blood test called the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) can help to detect high levels of inflammation in the body caused by LE.
Symptoms
One major characteristic symptom of systemic LE is a butterfly shaped rash on the face that appears on the cheeks, nose and forehead.
Other symptoms may include:
- Chronic Fatigue
- Joint and muscle pain and weakness
- Severe rashes on various part of the body that may be worsened by sun exposure
- Irregular menses (periods)
- Changes in body weight (loss or gain)
- Dry eyes and skin
- Hair loss or brittleness
- Fever
- Loss of blood circulation to hands and/or feet and discoloration in them (Raynaud's phenomenon)
- Hormone imbalances
Symptoms vary among patients, depending on how advanced a case of LE is and which organs are being affected.
Treatment
While there is no cure for LE, there are treatments designed to help relieve symptoms and to slow or halt the progression of the disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended or prescribed depending on the strength needed. Some patients may only need over-the-counter drugs for inflammation and/or fever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, while others may need those that are prescription-strength anti-inflammatory steroids (corticosteroids).
Drugs that help to control immune system activity may also be prescribed as well as pain medications and hormone replacement therapies when needed. People who believe they may be experiencing symptoms indicating LE, should see a licensed medical doctor as soon as possible.
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