Transcript Lupus - Health Justice Network

Lupus: Symptoms,
Diagnosis and Treatment
Elyse Leon-Reyes
Lupus LA
Definition: What is Lupus
 Lupus is a disorder of the immune system where
the body’s immune system attacks itself – hence
it is an autoimmune disease (“self-immune”).
 But the main problem is a failure of the immune
system to regulate itself properly.
 There are three kinds of lupus: systemic
erythematosus lupus (SLE), discoid (cutaneous)
lupus erythematosus (DLE) and drug-induced
lupus.
What causes lupus?
 The cause is unknown.
 Factors that may contribute to the onset of
lupus include viruses, unknown
environmental chemicals, sun exposure,
and female hormones
 Genetic predisposition is also felt to be
very important
Who Gets Lupus?
 In the USA, 1 in 2000 people have lupus.
 Women are 9 times more likely than men.
 Lupus disproportionately affects young women
during their childbearing years. African
Americans, Latinos, Asians and Native
Americans have a higher incidence of SLE than
Caucasians more likely than Caucasians to
develop the disease
 First degree relatives of people with lupus are
more likely to get the disease
Diagnosis
 Symptoms
 Physical Findings
 Laboratory Tests
What are the symptoms of Lupus?
 There are many different symptoms of
lupus, some mild and some severe so that
diagnosis may be difficult at first.
 The most common are fever, fatigue, joint
and muscle aches, rash, hair loss, weight
loss. Other symptoms can include loss of
sensation, seizures, strokes, chest pain,
difficulty breathing, weakness.
How is lupus diagnosed?
 Patients must have at least 4 of 11 criteria
to make the diagnosis of lupus
 However, lupus may be strongly
suspected without all 4 criteria
 Almost all patients with lupus have a
positive ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) blood
test. However, you can have a positive
ANA test without having lupus!
The criteria are:
1. Malar rash
6. Neurologic Disease
2. Discoid rash
7. Inflammation around the
lungs or heart
3. Photosensitivity
8. Blood disorders
4. Oral ulcers
9. Immunologic disorders
5. Kidney disease
10. Arthritis
11. Anti-Nuclear Antibody
Malar Rash
Hair Loss
Photosensitivity
Overlapping Diseases & Syndromes
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Fibromyalgia
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Raynaud’s Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scleroderma
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Vasculitis
What can patients do to improve
their quality of life?
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Exercise
Get enough rest
Eat sensibly
Don’t smoke
Avoid prolonged
sunlight
 Pay attention to
fevers
 Avoid alcohol
 Know your disease
 Get help if you are not
sure
What Type of Doctor do Lupus
Patients See?
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Primary Care Physicians
Rheumatologists
Nephrologists
Dermatologists
Neurologists
Cardiologists
Psychiatrists
Economic Impact of Lupus in the
United States
 Several studies suggest that the average annual
cost to provide medical treatment for a person with
lupus is nearly $60,000.
 SLE accounts for more than 77,000 hospital
admissions in the U.S. each year, averaging 10
days.
 Kidney dialysis, required by some people with
lupus, costs more than $68,000 per patient per
year in the U.S
 Hip replacement surgery, which may be required
as a result of the side effects of high-dose
corticosteroid therapy, costs about $62,000
 Every 30 minutes someone is diagnosed
with lupus, after suffering (on average)
with symptoms for 4-5 years.
 Lupus is a leading cause of kidney
disease, stroke and premature
cardiovascular disease in young women
 Death rates from lupus are on the rise. A
recent report from the CDC revealed a 6070 percent upsurge in lupus deaths
between 1979 and 1989.
 Lupus is responsible for high percentage
of the mortalities caused by rheumatic
conditions.
What is Lupus LA?
 Lupus LA, the West Coast division of the
S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, promotes lupus
research, awareness, and education, and
serves the needs of people with lupus and
their families in Los Angeles County.
 Lupus LA partners with the Lupus
Research Institute (LRI) to fund novel
lupus research that will prevent, treat and
cure the complex disease.
Fundraising for a Cure
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Orange Ball
Bag Ladies Luncheon
Get Lucky for Lupus Poker Tournament
LA Marathon Team Life without Lupus
Patient Services Program
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Support Groups
Patient Education Events
Peer Support
Referrals to Specialists
Benefits and Entitlements Support
ADA and IDEA Accommodations for
Schools and Employers
Patient Services Program
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Train the Trainer
Patient Navigation
Educational Materials
Emergency Grant Program
Enrichment Grant Program
Lupus Cooperative of Los Angeles
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Launching in June 2010
Chronic disease management program
Staff based in community organizations
Case Management
Healthcare Provider Education
Public Awareness
QUESTIONS?
Lupus LA
9220 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 200
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-657-5667
www.lupusla.org
[email protected]