SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE)

BY : ELLINA SUHANA BT ABDUL RAHMAN V2

INTRODUCTION
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. A chronic and often long-term autoimmune disorder that may affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain and other organs SLE was first described in 1828 : Systemic; the disease can affect organs and tissue throughout the body Lupus; is Latin for wolf. It refers to the rash that extends across the bridge of the nose and upper cheekbones and was thought to resemble of wolf bite Erythematosus; is from Greek word for red and refers to the colour of the rash

CAUSES
Environmental factors Viruses, exposure to chemicals, sunlight, trigger inflammatory or immune activity Genetic factors Lupus is a complex disorder and researchers are still in the early stages of unraveling how genetic factors may alter and affect the immune system. Researchers estimate that 20-100 different genetic factors may make a person susceptible to SLE

RISK FACTORS
Gender 90% of lupus patients are women, most diagnosed when they are in their childbearing ages.

Family history A brother or sister of a patient with the disorder has 20 times the risk as someone without an immediate family member with SLE

Drug-Induced Lupus Many prescription drugs can cause lupus-like skin symtoms. This include high blood pressure medications.

Risk factors in children Associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenia pupura, a condition resulting from abnormally low levels of blood platelets. May also be caused by certain medications, including minocycline and zafirlukast

Lifestyle factors Smoking may be a risk factor for triggering SLE and can increase the risk for skin and kidney problems in women who have the disease.

SYMPTOMS

Chest pain when taking a deep breath Fatigue Fever with no other cause General discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) Hair loss Mouth sores Sensitivity to sunlight Skin rash

Other symptoms depend on what part of the body is affected: Brain and nervous system Headaches, numbness, tingling, seizures, vision problems, personality changes Digestive tract Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) Lung Coughing up blood and difficulty breathing Skin Patchy skin colour, fingers that change colour when cold (Raynauds phenomenon)
*Some patients only have skin symptoms (discoid lupus)

TREATMENT

No cure for SLE Mild disease may be treated with: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) treat arthritis and pleurisy Corticosteroid creams to treat skin rashes An antimalaria drug (hydroxychloroquine) and low-dose corticosteroids for skin and arthritis symptoms Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen when in the sun

Severe symptoms often require more aggressive treatment by doctor specialists Treatment for more severe lupus may include High-dose corticosteroids or medications to decrease the immune system response Cytotoxic drugs (drugs that block cell growth) if you do not get better with corticosteroids, or whose symptoms get worse when the stop taking them. These medicine have serious , severe side effects. You should be closely monitored by your doctor

If you have lupus, it is also important to have; Preventive heart care Up-to-date immunizations Tests to screen for thinning of the bones (osteoporosis)

Talk therapy and support groups may help relieve depression and mood changes that may occur in patients with this disease

LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Staying active Maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Light-to-moderate exercises, interspersed with rest periods, is good for the heart Helps fight depression and fatigue Can help keep joints flexible

Preventing infections Fully immunized Minimize exposure to crowds/people with contagious illnesses Careful hygiene (dental hygiene)

Avoiding SLE triggers Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight Patients with SLE should use only hypoallergenic cosmetics or hair products

Reducing stress Getting adequate rest of at least 8 hours Take a nap during the day Maintaining social relationship and healthy activities