Expertise for the Management of Lupus
Lupus is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation and damage. The disease can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart and lungs.
People with lupus may experience periods of wellness (remission) between symptom flareups. Lupus is more common in women and people of African, Hispanic or Asian descent.
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Types of Lupus
The most common type of lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which affects multiple organs and systems. Other types include:
- Cutaneous lupus, which primarily affects the skin.
- Drug-induced lupus, which is triggered by certain medications. This type is often mild and resolves when the medication is stopped.
- Neonatal lupus, which affects babies born to mothers with lupus.
Causes & Symptoms of Lupus
In most cases, the cause of lupus is unknown. Some people are born with a genetic predisposition for lupus, which may be triggered by infections, some medications or environmental factors like sunlight. Symptoms vary widely based on the type of lupus and which part of the body is affected. Symptoms can come on suddenly or develop gradually and range from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks.
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
- Raynaud’s syndrome. A vascular condition that causes discoloration and numbness in the fingers and toes when exposed to cold or during periods of extreme stress.
- Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure.
- Headaches, confusion and memory loss.
- Chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Hair loss.
Organ-Specific Complications of Lupus
The inflammation caused by lupus can damage organs in the body, including:
- Kidneys. Kidney failure is one of the leading causes of death in people with lupus.
- Brain. People with lupus that affects the brain often experience headaches, vision problems, dizziness and confusion. They may also be at increased risk for strokes or seizures.
- Blood and blood vessels. Lupus can reduce the number of healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia and an increased risk for bleeding and blood clots.
- Lungs. Lupus increases the risk for inflammation of the chest cavity, which makes breathing painful. Bleeding in the lungs and pneumonia are potential complications.
- Heart. Lupus-related inflammation of the heart muscles and/or arteries increases the risk for heart disease and heart attack.
Because lupus weakens the immune system, people who have it are also at higher risk for infections, cancer, bone loss and pregnancy complications including miscarriage.
How Is Lupus Diagnosed?
Lupus can develop at any age, but it’s most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45. Because symptoms vary and often mimic those of other disorders, lupus can be difficult to diagnose.
There is no single test that can diagnose lupus. If symptoms suggest lupus, our experts will perform a physical exam and take a complete medical, family and lifestyle history. Additional testing will often be required to confirm a diagnosis. Tests may include:
- Blood & Urine Tests
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Your doctor may order one or more of the following lab tests to support or rule out a diagnosis of lupus:
- Blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) to measure the number of red and white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin levels. A low red blood cell count may indicate anemia, which is common with lupus. Low platelets or white blood cells may also support a diagnosis. Blood tests can also assess how well the kidneys and liver are functioning.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate. A blood test that looks at how quickly red blood cells sink to the bottom of a tube in one hour. A high rate may suggest lupus but is not definitive – it can also be a sign of other inflammatory conditions or cancer.
- Urinalysis. Detects increased protein levels or red blood cells in the urine, which may occur if lupus has affected your kidneys.
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. Detects antibodies that are often present with lupus. They are not, however, a definitive sign. If ANA test is positive, your doctor may recommend more specific antibody testing.
- Imaging Tests
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If lupus is suspected and your symptoms suggest that your lungs or heart are affected, your doctor may order the following imaging tests:
- Chest X-ray. An image of the chest may show fluid buildup or inflammation in the lungs.
- Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to produce real-time images of the heart, which may indicate problems with the valves and other portions of the heart.
- Kidney or Skin Biopsy
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Lupus can harm the kidneys in many ways. If symptoms suggest the kidneys are affected, your doctor may recommend a biopsy, a test that removes a small sample of kidney tissue using a needle or a small incision. The sample is examined under a microscope to help determine the best treatment plan.
If skin rashes are a symptom, a skin biopsy may be performed to help confirm a lupus diagnosis.
Treatments to Manage Lupus Symptoms
There is no cure for lupus, but symptoms can usually be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Treatments may include:
- Medications
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- Lifestyle Modifications
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- Integrative Therapies
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- Surgery
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Make an Appointment
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