There are at least 1.5 million Americans diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Lupus, but it is suspected many more are living with its symptoms without knowing they have this chronic, inflammatory —and sometimes fatal disease.
Lupus is known as an autoimmune disorder because as the body begins to wage a battle with itself, it is destroying healthy tissue. There are four different forms of Lupus that show significantly different symptoms — in addition to SLE, they are cutaneous, drug-induced and neonatal.
For many, Lupus will strike once, then remain in remission for months, even years, until it reemerges. WIth a continued investment in research, new medications have made medical remission of Lupus possible. We still have research work to do to find new, better treatments and a cure.
The most common form of Lupus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), can be as mild as an increase in blood pressure in the lungs, or as severe as inflammation of the kidneys, nervous system, or the brain’s blood vessels.
As a result, people with Lupus experience a variety of symptoms including:
In extreme cases, the kidneys can become so damaged that dialysis or kidney transplants are needed.
It is not clear what causes lupus but research suggests there are triggers that lead to a compromised immune system — these triggers can act alone or be combined. The three general triggers are genetics, hormones and an environment the person is exposed to or living in.
There is research that indicates medications such as hydralazine and procainamide can cause lupus. However, it has been documented once these medications are stopped, so do the symptoms.
Lupus Nephritis is a disease where the immune system attacks the kidneys. It occurs in people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. Normally, the immune system fights infections, but in autoimmune diseases like SLE and lupus nephritis, it attacks a person’s own body.
Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of Lupus Nephritis by downloading the fact sheet below!
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