Clinical Immunology focuses on the immune system’s health. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies.
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus can look very different from one person to another. No two patients have exactly the same symptoms. The disease may affect just one organ or many at the same time. Symptoms can appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. Knowing the many possible symptoms and risk factors is important for early diagnosis and treatment.
The most iconic symbol of lupus is the malar rash, also known as the butterfly rash. This is a red or purplish rash that extends across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, sparing the nasolabial folds. It is often photosensitive, meaning it appears or worsens after exposure to sunlight.
Many lupus patients experience a pronounced reaction to ultraviolet light. Exposure to the sun can trigger not only skin rashes but also systemic flares, including fatigue and joint pain. Discoid lesions are distinct from the malar rash. They are thick, scaly patches that can cause scarring and permanent hair loss if they occur on the scalp. Patients may also develop ulcers in the mouth or nose, which are usually painless but recurrent.
Joint pain and stiffness are among the most common early symptoms of lupus. The arthritis is typically polyarticular, affecting multiple joints such as the wrists, small joints of the hands, and knees. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, lupus arthritis is generally non-erosive, meaning it does not destroy the bone. However, it can cause tendon laxity and deformities over time, a condition known as Jaccoud’s arthropathy.
Muscle pain or myalgia is a frequent complaint during flares. In some cases, true myositis or inflammation of the muscle tissue occurs, leading to weakness and elevated muscle enzymes. This can contribute significantly to the profound physical fatigue experienced by patients.
Kidney involvement is one of the most serious manifestations of SLE. It occurs when immune complexes deposit in the filtering units of the kidneys, called glomeruli. Lupus nephritis may be asymptomatic in its early stages, detectable only through urine tests showing protein or blood.
Hypertension: High blood pressure often develops as kidney function declines.
If left untreated, lupus nephritis can progress to end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation
Lupus can affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms.
Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands and feet. Mononeuritis multiplex, a condition affecting specific individual nerves, is a less common but serious presentation.
The blood counts are frequently affected in lupus due to autoantibodies attacking blood cells.
Many lupus patients develop antiphospholipid antibodies. These increase the risk of blood clots in arteries and veins, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. In pregnant women, these antibodies are associated with recurrent miscarriages.
Inflammation of the lining tissues is a hallmark of lupus.
Chronic inflammation accelerates the hardening of the arteries. Lupus patients are at a significantly higher risk of heart attacks at a younger age compared to the general population.
Genetics plays a major role, but it is not the sole determinant.
The prevalence of lupus in women during their reproductive years points to estrogen as a driving factor.
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It is a classic sign of lupus, presenting as a red rash covering the cheeks and bridge of the nose, resembling the shape of a butterfly.
Yes. Lupus nephritis is a common and serious complication where the immune system attacks the kidney filters, potentially leading to kidney failure if untreated.
UV light damages skin cells, causing them to die and release internal cell materials that the overactive immune system mistakes for foreign invaders, triggering a flare.
It refers to cognitive difficulties experienced by patients, including confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
Yes. Physical and emotional stress are known triggers that can precipitate a lupus flare or worsen existing symptoms.
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