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Lupus: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Signs and Symptoms
Lupus signs and symptoms can sometimes be overlooked because lupus is such a mysterious disease. Overlooked or misinterpreted signs and symptoms can be seen as a harbinger of a different disease, leading to mis-diagnosis. But when one of the most common symptoms is accompanied by a more suggestive sign or complication, lupus starts to become clear.
What is Lupus?
What is lupus (sometimes generically referred to as SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus)? It is an autoimmune disease, one that takes on several forms and can affect any part of the body, but is most commonly attacks the skin, joints, the heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain.
Neonatal Lupus
This is a rare form of temporary lupus that affects a fetus or newborn (usually coming to the fore in the first few months of life). It occurs when the mother’s autoantibodies are passed to her child in utero. These autoantibodies can affect the skin, heart, and/or blood of the baby.
ANA Test
One of the most common tests used by physicians to help diagnose lupus is the anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) blood test.
Nutrition, Diet and Lupus
One common misconception for those diagnosed with lupus is that there are “good” foods and “bad” foods, and the inclusion or exclusion of those items will either exacerbate or alleviate lupus symptoms. The truth is that there are only bad diets.
What Causes Lupus?
One of the first questions a newly diagnosed lupus patient often has centers around what may have caused them to get the disease. But even doctors and researchers are not sure what causes lupus. What they do know is that it is an autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system malfunctions and causes the body to attack its own tissues.
Managing Lupus Flares
Lupus patients often suffer unpredictable bouts of the disease – a flare – followed by periods of remission. What causes a flare is almost as unpredictable as when the flare will occur, but there are some common catalysts, and some common ways of managing flares.
Is lupus contagious?
Is lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) contagious? Can I get it from someone who has lupus? Or, if I have lupus, can I give it to someone by accident?
Patient Advocates
As a lupus patient, there may be times when your disease has such a powerful effect on your well being that you may not feel capable of adequately managing your healthcare needs, especially when it comes to navigating the healthcare system. When and if this occurs, you may want to consider engaging the help of a patient advocate.
Rashes & Other Skin Conditions
How does lupus affect the skin? Skin conditions are a known part of what a person with lupus must regularly deal with. While lupus is known to affect the joints, kidneys, heart and lungs, more often than not, one of the clearest signs that a person has developed the disease is the way it affects the skin. These abnormal skin areas are referred to as skin – or cutaneous – disease.
Getting Treated for Lupus
Getting treated for lupus, once diagnosed, includes various treatment methods, all of which depend on the type of lupus and the symptoms that the patient presents. Since there is no cure for lupus, most treatments focus on the symptoms.
Diagnosing Lupus
Diagnosing lupus can be tricky, as symptoms of the disease can be mild or severe, come in a wide variety, and mimic those of other diseases. But there are telltale signs that a doctor can use when suspecting the disease, and more complex methodologies to determine if a patient has lupus.
Living with Lupus
Living with lupus for those who have been newly diagnosed can be difficult. They may find themselves shocked at first, relieved, then, knowing what they have, and finally confused as to what their next steps will be. Find out here.
Hair Loss & Lupus
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, and nearly 45 percent of people with lupus will experience some form of alopecia.
Antibody
Definition of antibody as it relates to lupus
Lab Tests That Help Diagnose
Testing for lupus, or more formally systemic lupus erythamatosus, is often done through a series of laboratory tests, or screening tests, that help a doctor begin to formulate an diagnosis.
The Role of the Social Worker
Social workers offer a broad range of services, from emotional support to referrals for community resources. They may provide counseling services, advocate for a patient, or work with community groups to develop resources that will aid medical patients and other constituencies, including people with lupus.
The Criteria List
Since diagnosing lupus can be a difficult task, even for healthcare professionals, it is important to know when typical signs and symptoms add up and point toward lupus as the cause. Here you’ll find the usual suspects when it comes to symptoms – and questions to ask yourself to help determine if you could be a lupus candidate.
What doctor treats lupus
What kind of doctor treats lupus? Is it a specialist? Who will I see and who will direct my treatment?
Arthritis
Since lupus is, in many ways, a disease of symptoms, there are several related conditions, such as severe joint and muscle pain, or arthritis, that people with lupus should be familiar with.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
In discoid lupus, chronic inflammatory sores develop on the face, ears, scalp and on other body areas.
Celebrities with Lupus
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches.
Difference between RA, lupus?
What’s the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and lupus? Why are they considered so similar by so many people? The answer lies here.
Malar rash
Malar rash definition as it relates to lupus
ANA-Negative Lupus
What is ANA-negative lupus and does ANA-negative lupus exist? If you are someone who is wondering if you or someone you know may have lupus, you may have heard this term. Now find out what it is.
Is it safe to get a flu shot?
The flu shot. If you have lupus, is it safe to take the flu shot?
Types of Lupus
Lupus (sometimes generically referred to as SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease, one that takes on several forms and can affect any part of the body, but is most commonly attacks the skin, joints, the heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain.
How Lupus Affects Men
Though systemic lupus erythematosus is often thought of as a women’s health issue, the truth is men get lupus, too. And while the prevalence of lupus in women is great – nearly 90 percent of lupus patients between ages 15 and 45 are women – men shouldn’t discount both the potential of getting lupus and the seriousness with which the disease presents.
Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count or CBC is one of several diagnostic tools available to your physician to help her make a diagnosis.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
The most common form of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, blood vessels and organs.
Are You At Risk?
Are you at risk for developing lupus? Consider these risk factors to determine how likely it is you could get the disease
Acute Cutaneous Lupus
Skin conditions are a known part of what a person with lupus must regularly deal with. While lupus is known to affect the joints, kidneys, heart and lungs, more often than not, one of the clearest signs that a person has developed the disease is the way it affects the skin. These abnormal skin areas are referred to as skin – or cutaneous – disease.
Steroid-Induced Diabetes
Steroid-induced diabetes in lupus patients can be the result of long-term corticosteriods, which are often used as a treatment option for lupus patients, as they reduce inflammation and affect the immune system. Steriod-induced diabetes is a related condition to lupus.
Cerebritis
Cerebritis definition as it relates to lupus
Lupus and Pleurisy
Cardiopulmonary complications from SLE, those affecting the lungs specifically, are common in lupus patients. Often, lupus can trigger inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs, the pleura, causing pain when breathing or coughing. This condition is called pleurisy or pleuritis. It is the most common pulmonary manifestation of lupus.
Alternative Pain Management
Treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus vary by patient and by healthcare practitioner. Some of the methods might stray just off the path of traditional conventional medicine, and into the lane of complementary and alternative medicine, defined as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.
Massage for Lupus
Where one method of treating will work for one individual, it may have little affect on another. Thus it is common for someone suffering from lupus to explore various ways to treat the symptoms of the disease, notably pain caused by inflammation. Some methods, like massage therapy, are complementary and alternative medicines. These approaches come as novel to some and completely familiar to others. Massage therapy, for example, is a time-honored method of pain and stress relief.
Statistics
Some key statistics, facts and figures regarding lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects more than 1.5 million Americans.
SLE, systemic lupus erythemato
SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus definition
Carditis
definition as it relates to lupus
Lupus and MS
Lupus and multiple sclerosis are both autoimmune diseases. Lupus triggers a response from the immune system that may attack various organs in the body. Multiple sclerosis, on the other hand, attacks myelin, the fatty protective layer over nerves fibers in the brain and spinal cord.
Lupus Pericarditis
Lupus is truly a disease of symptoms. Its attacks on the body’s immune system can affect everything from the skin and joints to internal organs, like the kidneys. Often, lupus can trigger inflammation of the thin sac that surrounds the heart, called pericarditis.
Mercedes Scelba-Shorte
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. One of those affected by lupus is model and America’s Next Top Model finalist Mercedes Scelba Shorte.
Immune system
Immune system definition as it relates to lupus
Drug-Induced Lupus
Drug-induced lupus is a condition mimicking the symptoms of lupus, but brought on by certain types of drugs, usually taken over long periods of time. Drug induced lupus is completely reversible once the drug is discontinued.
Lupus Nephritis
When lupus affects the kidneys, it is called lupus nephritis.
CellCept
Learn more about CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil), an immunosuppressant often used in patients with lupus nephritis (in which the disease attacks the kidneys).
Subacute Cutaneous Lupus
Subacute cutaneous lupus is a skin disease that presents itself via two distinct cutaneous lesions.
ERS Test
Defining the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) screening test.
The Role of the Rheumatologist
When most people hear the word rheumatology, they think rheumatoid arthritis, and make the logical leap that a rheumatologist treats diseases of the joints. She does. But a rheumatologist also diagnoses and treats diseases of the muscles and bones, like osteoporosis, and a number autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.
Lupus
Definition of lupus
About Cytoxan
Learn more about Cytoxan, a drug used to combat the effects of lupus and systemic lupus erythamatosus.
How long will I live?
How long will I live if I have lupus? It isn’t curable, right?
Lupus and Pancreatitis
Lupus is often manifests itself through several related conditions, often affecting major systems and organs in the body, including the pancreas. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it is called pancreatitis.
Related Conditions
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or simply lupus, is an autoimmune disease that can damage internal organs and often leads to a number of health complications. Often the patient notices the complications before they are diagnosed with lupus.
Caring for Your Skin
People who are affected with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or more commonly lupus, often discover that they are also highly photosensitive, or sensitive to sunlight. This sensitivity often results in skin rashes and other skin conditions caused by sunlight. If left unchecked, this condition could lead to skin cancer. Lupus patients are thus instructed to take care of their skin and stay out of the sun.
Lupus and the Nervous System
Because the nervous system needs continuous oxygen and nutrients to function properly, it is adversely affected by any restriction to the flow of blood to it. Thus, it is believed that lupus affects the nervous system by affecting that blood flow, by causing nerve tissue damage when antibodies attack nerve and blood cells and blood vessels. In this overview, we will focus mainly on the central nervous system and some of the ways lupus affects the system.
Lupus Anticoagulants
Lupus anticoagulant antibodies - you may at some point encounter the term, or discover that you have or carry these antibodies. Also categorized as antiphospholipid antibodies, they interfere with the normal function of blood vessels and can lead to narrowing of the blood vessels or blood clots.
Lupus Fog
The occasional feeling of forgetfulness and struggle to remember what should be simple tasks could be lupus fog, a condition familiar with lupus veterans, but sometimes a surprise for those newly diagnosed with the autoimmune disease.
Hair Loss & Lupus
If you have lupus, will you lose your hair? Nearly half of people with lupus will suffer from hair loss at some point. The good news? It typically grows back.
Antigen
Definition of antigen as it relates to lupus
Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune disease definition as it relates to lupus
Who discovered lupus?
Do you know your lupus history? Who discovered lupus? How has our knowledge of lupus evolved? Find out about the disease's three periods and how lupus history played into how you lupus is treated today.
Myositis
Myositis definition as it relates to lupus
Lupus Flare Prevention Tips
No one can say for certain that there’s any way to prevent a lupus flare, but there are a number of “healthy habits” that can help patients reduce the potential for triggering a flare. We’ve taken those habits and gone one step further, by providing some suggestions on how to get into those habits and stay in those habits – thus possibly increasing your chances of staving off a flare.
Butterfly rash
Butterfly rash definition as it relates to lupus
5 Flare Fighting Techniques
Lupus flares are a sign that your disease activity is increasing. So what can you do to reduce your chances of having a flare? Follow our Top Five Flare Fighting Techniques!
DHEA
Prasterone is a synthetic version of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an endogenous hormone, which means it is a hormone produced by the human body. Evidence supports the claim that DHEA helps those with systemic lupus erythematosus since studies have shown that hormonal influence may play a role in the development and progression of SLE.
Michael Jackson
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. One of those affected by lupus is the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels, is a common condition that can occur in people with lupus. It commonly occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks blood vessels. This can be a dangerous condition, since an inflamed blood vessel can become narrow, restricting blood flow.
Plaquenil
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an anti-malarial drug that can be used to help lupus patients, primarily those with discoid or systemic lupus erythematosus. Doctors may prescribe it alone or in conjunction with other medications.
Pediatric Lupus
Childhood lupus is not much different than lupus in adults. Many of the symptoms are the same, as well as the treatment. But there are differences, and knowing what they are and how to treat them will allow kids with lupus to live regular, happy lives.
Physical Therapy & Lupus
The overall goal of the physical therapist is to restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health.
What is Azathioprine?
Learn more about azathioprine, an immunosuppressant used to combat systemic lupus erythematosus, that goes by the brand names Azasan and Imuran.
Lupus Myocarditis
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, is truly a disease of symptoms. Its attacks on the body’s immune system can affect everything from the skin and joints to internal organs, like the kidneys. Often, lupus can trigger inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocarditis.
What is an autoimmune disease?
My doctor says lupus is an autoimmune disease. What is an autoimmune disease?
Prednisone
Prednisone is one of the more effective medicinal treatments for people who suffer from lupus. Learn more about the drug, what it does, its side effects and how it is used.
Lupus Affects Older Adults
Lupus isn’t interested in what age you are. Young or old, you could get this autoimmune disease. But if you are an older woman, your chances of getting the disease are eight times greater than those for men. Find out why, and other statistics, about lupus and older adults.
Lupus and Miscarriage
Though sobering, miscarriage occurs in 10 percent of pregnancies of women with lupus. That said, women with lupus who wish to get pregnant certainly can – and can experience a normal pregnancy and delivery, as well.
Seal
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. One of those affected by lupus is the pop singer, Seal.
Healthcare Team for Lupus
systemic lupus erythematosus, sle, lupus, healthcare team, doctor, rheumatologist, APN, advanced practice nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, social worker, patient advocate, treatment, treatment options
NSAIDs
Unlike many other diseases, there is no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus. But doctors can offer those who suffer with lupus a number of treatment options. One option is the use of medicine, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Lupus Antibodies
A definition of lupus anticoagulant antibodies, also categorized as antiphospholipid antibodies. They interfere with the normal function of blood vessels and can lead to narrowing of the blood vessels or blood clots.
What to Ask Your Doctor
If you have been newly diagnosed with lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus, there are a handful of questions you should ask your doctor. Since a new diagnosis can be a confusing time, take these questions with you.
Lupus as a Disability
As you know, lupus affects people in different ways. Everyone’s disease, essentially, is different. For those with severe cases of lupus, the disease can be debilitating. But is it a disability, as defined by the government? And if so, why would that matter? It matters because, if you are unable to work due to your illness, you may qualify and want to apply for Social Security benefits and disability insurance. Those benefits may bridge the economic gap for many Americans.
Is there a cure for lupus?
There are several drug treatments for lupus, but is there a lupus cure? Scientists are hard at work to one. Research on current and new lupus treatments is ongoing, all with the goal of eventually finding a lupus cure.
Do I have fibromyalgia?
Lupus is known as a disease that is misdiagnosed as some other disease. Interestingly enough, fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue, is often misdiagnosed as lupus, since both are rheumatic illnesses and share some similar symptoms. Also of note, lupus sufferers are more likely to contract fibromyalgia.
I need financial assistance.
Medical costs associated with lupus can be a challenge. If you need financial assistance, it's good to know that there are resources to help you with your battle against lupus. Learn more about lupus financial assistance resources.
Wellness Strategies
While lupus is a chronic disease, between flares, which typically occur two to three times a year, most patients with lupus function at about 90 percent of normal capacity. More than enough reason to use that time to get your body in the best shape. Here are some simple steps you can take to help ensure you’re in the best health and ready to take on a flare when it occurs:
Gender, Ethnicity and Lupus
While lupus affects men and women of all ages, the disease tends to afflict women far more often. And women of color are afflicted even more often than that. Why? A groundbreaking study begun nearly 14 years ago has charted a course toward answering just that question.
Advanced Practice Nurse
The role of an advanced practice nurse is to provide preventative care, treatment, and management of acute and chronic illnesses using advanced clinical skills, diagnostic reasoning, and advanced therapeutic interventions.
Link Found Between RA, Lupus
Researchers at the Feinstein Center for Medical Research have found a genetic link between rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, further proof to support the theory that multiple autoimmune diseases could share risk genes.
How long will my flare last?
How long will my flare last? A day? A week? How will I know when it will be over?
Lupus Triggers
It is still unclear whether mercury can trigger lupus, but it cannot cause it. Researchers are still trying to determine the full effects of mercury on humans.
Skin Care Tips
The Top 5 tips for caring for your skin in the winter, when dry, cold air creeps in and starts drying fingers and cracking skin. Find out the top five ways to protect your skin from the winter chill
Leslie Hunt
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. One of those affected by lupus is pop singer and American Idol finalist Leslie Hunt.
Mary Elizabeth McDonough
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. One of those affected by lupus is former ‘The Waltons’ star Mary Elizabeth McDonough.
Millie and Barbara Bush
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. Two of those affected by autoimmune disease are former First Lady Barbara Bush and the Bush’s dog, Millie.
Ngithshade Vegetables and SLE
Is there a link between nightshade vegetables and lupus?
What kinds of lupus are there?
Is there more than one kind of lupus, and, if so, what types are there?
Inflammation
Inflammation definition as it relates to lupus
Five Facts about Lupus
Those with lupus know it is a life-long illness. What many do not know is how the disease will treat them as they grow older. Here are five facts associated with lupus and age.
When To Call A Doctor
To better understand when to call the doctor if you suspect you might have lupus, consider a few important points.
Ferdinand Marcos
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. One of those affected by lupus was Filipino president Ferdinand Marcos.
Immunosuppressants
Unlike many other diseases, there is no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus. But doctors can offer those that suffer with lupus a number of treatment options. One option is the use of medicine, including immunosuppressants. Here, we’ll discuss the drug and give some examples of brand names lupus patients might encounter.
Blood Donation and Lupus
Donating blood for those with lupus is not necessarily an automatic ‘no.’ A review of blood donation guidelines and a talk with the doctor could reveal that a person with lupus is eligible to donate.
How can I tell if I have a fla
How Can I Tell if I Have a Lupus Flare?
Can I have a baby?
I have lupus and I want to have a baby. Can I? What are the complications? And what should I look out for?
Antibodies and Death Risk
Recent research from a Canadian study of lupus patients suggests that the presence of anti-SM antibodies increased the risk of death in some lupus patients
Can Stress Make My Symptoms Wo
Can stress make my lupus symptoms worse?
Rheumatic conditions
Definition of the term rheumatic condition, aka rheumatic disorder
Antinuclear Antibody Definitio
The definition of antinuclear antibodies, or ANA.
Should I use a tanning bed?
Can patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who are photosensitive avoid the sun and still get a tan by using a tanning bed?
Your Medical History
Your medical history is your personal record of health information including your close relatives. It is important to maintain because family members share many common traits, physically and socially, including genes, environment, diet and lifestyle.
Meditation as a Treatment Tool
Since treatments for lupus vary by patient and practitioner, whereby one method will work well for one individual, and have little affect on another, it is not uncommon for someone suffering from lupus to explore varies ways to treat the symptoms of her disease – especially pain caused by inflammation, a hallmark of the disease. Some of these methods, like meditation, are considered complementary and alternative medicine, and have been in use by various cultures for centuries.
Lupus and Pregnancy
One question that often arises in women who have been newly diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus is “Can I safely become pregnant and have a healthy baby?” The short answer? Yes.
Acupuncture as Treatment Tool
One method of lupus treatment may work for one individual, yet have little affect on another. Thus, it is common for someone suffering from lupus to explore various ways to treat the symptoms of the disease, notably pain caused by inflammation, a hallmark of the disease. Some methods, such as acupuncture, are complementary and alternative medicines. Acupuncture therapy is a time-honored method of pain and stress relief.
Do fillings or hair dyes cause
Do dental fillings or hair dyes act a trigger for lupus symptoms?
The Nervous System
Definition of the nervous system
Tim Raines
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. One of those affected by lupus is baseball great Tim Raines.
Do Breast Implants Cause Lupus
Do breast implants cause lupus? Are breast implants a trigger for the autoimmune disease?
Ray Walston
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. One of those affected by lupus was the TV actor, Ray Walston.
Lupus Resources
If you are newly diagnosed lupus patient, perhaps you can relate to some of these feelings – relief that there’s finally an answer to all the questions you’ve had about your health, fear that your life will change irrevocably, maybe even a desire to disengage from family and friends when flares seem to take over your daily routine. Well, there's hope, because there's a community out there for you.
Flare
Flare definition as it relates to lupus
Complement Levels
Definition of complement levels as they pertain to lupus.
SAD and Lupus
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) for people with lupus can be a difficult condition to treat, since SAD is often treated with light therapy and those with lupus are often sensitive to light. So how do those with SAD and lupus get treated?
Charles Kuralt
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. One of those affected by lupus was CBS journalist Charles Kuralt.
Heredity
Heredity definition as it relates to lupus
Autoantibody
The definition of autoantibodies.
Autoimmune Disease
Definition of Autoimmune Disease
Anti-malarials
Unlike many other diseases, there is no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus. But doctors can offer those that suffer with lupus a number of treatment options. One option is the use of medicine, including anti-malarials. Here, we’ll discuss the drug and give some examples of brand names lupus patients might encounter.
Osteoporosis
Individuals with lupus are at an increased risk for osteoporosis for a number of reasons, and studies suggest an increase in bone loss and fracture in individuals with lupus. In fact, women with lupus may be five times more likely to experience a fracture from osteoporosis.
Can I breastfeed my baby?
I'm a new mother, and I am interested in breastfeeding my child. But I also have lupus. Can I breastfeed my baby if I have lupus? Will breastfeeding cause my baby any harm?
Lupus and Fibromyalgia
Lupus is known as a disease that is misdiagnosed as some other disease. Interestingly enough, fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue, is often misdiagnosed as lupus, since both are rheumatic illnesses and share some similar symptoms. Also of note, lupus sufferers are more likely to contract fibromyalgia.
Corticosteriods
Unlike many other diseases, there is no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus. But doctors can offer those that suffer with lupus a number of treatment options. One option is the use of medicine, including corticosteroids. Here, we’ll discuss the drug and give some examples of brand names lupus patients might encounter.
Biomarkers Aid Lupus Patients
Current research into lupus has led researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina to identified a list of proteins found in the urine of people with lupus-related renal (kidney) disease.
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling may be something you are considering if a family member has lupus. Considering that women with lupus have a 10 percent chance of having a daughter with lupus, a 2 percent chance of having a son with lupus, and a 50 percent chance that her children with have a positive ANA, there might be reason to wonder.
Starting a Support Group
If you are interested in joining a lupus support group, your first step might be to determine what is available in your area. You can do this a number of ways, including contacting your healthcare provider, contacting a local hospital and speaking with the patient advocate, or by using the Internet and other reference resources to determine what’s around.
About Trexall
Learn more about Trexall, an antimetabolite and immunosuppressant drug used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as other conditions.
Neonatal Lupus Risks
What will happen if my baby has neonatal lupus?
ANA-Negative Lupus Definition
The definition of ANA-Negative lupus is a tricky one, even for researchers and doctors.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists have one primary goal: help their patients create and maintain independent, productive and satisfying lives. They do this by working with patients to improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments, and by design treatment plans that help patients regain, maintain or develop living and working skills.
Lupus and osteoporosis
Is osteoporosis is common in patients with lupus?
Should I Join a Support Group?
Support groups are often a vital link for people with lupus. They provide an opportunity to share experiences and offer advice with people who understand what you are going through.
Hypnotherapy as a Treatment
Where one method of treating will work for one individual, it may have little affect on another. Thus it is common for someone suffering from lupus to explore various ways to treat the symptoms of the disease, notably pain caused by inflammation. Some methods, like hypnotherapy, are complementary and alternative medicines.
Lupus - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Lupus guide site.
Stem Cells and Lupus
A recent university study delves into how lupus patients might respond to stem cell therapy.
Pregnancy Planning
Planning a pregnancy when you have lupus is more common today than it has ever been. Lupus and pregnancy used to be considered two medical conditions that should never coincide. These days, women with lupus can successfully manage their disease and pregnancy at the same time, with the help of careful planning with their rheumatologist and obstetrician.
Definition of Titer
Defining use of the word titer as it it applies to lupus and testing for lupus.
Lauren Schuler Donner
The number of celebrities with lupus is growing almost every day, especially since the autoimmune disease does not distinguish between class, gender, race or riches. One of those affected by lupus is famous movie producer Lauren Schuler Donner.
Explore Lupus
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