Systemic Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a fairly common disease identified as episodes of inflammation and damage to joints, tendons, and various organs. The most effected organs are the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, blood vessels, and skin. Lupus affects each individual differently and the effects could be mild to severe depending on the individual. SLE is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the healthy cells and tissues in the body (Ohio State, 2009).

The main cause of lupus is unknown, but there are believed to be many factors that could contribute to lupus. Lupus is believed to be genetic for many individuals (Ohio State, 2009). If a mother has SLE, her daughter has a 1:40 chance of developing lupus, whereas, her son has a 1:250 chance (Leber, 2009). Environmental issues could be present where the cause in the environment is unknown. SLE can also be caused by some medications. The disease may be present while taking the medication, but disappear when the individual stops taking the medication. The majority of people who have lupus are women between late teens to forty-five. Females are affected three to ten times more likely than males (Ohio State, 2009). African American women are more likely to develop lupus than Caucasian women (Leber, 2009).

Human leukocyte antigens are a group of genes on chromosome six. The human leukocyte antigens (HLA) associated with lupus is called DR2 and DR3. A person who has these antigens is very likely to develop lupus, but individuals with different antigens may also develop SLE (Ohio State, 2009). There are many symptoms of SLE and will vary from individual to individual with the disease. Some common symptoms are inflammation of the joints, Raynaud’s phenomenon1, m...

... middle of paper ...

...ttempt to treat physical symptoms of SLE as well as the psychological symptoms. HRQoL, disease activity, and disease damage are three different components of lupus and should be measured separately for the most accurate results. Measuring the patient’s quality of life will assist in keeping the patient informed about how the disease is affecting them in their daily lives. HRQoL will vary significantly with each individual and is very important to measure patient’s responses to lupus. Fatigue is a widely influential factor in lupus patients and should be included in quality of life studies (McElhone, 2006). Studies found a role of defensins in the pathogenesis of SLE (Froy, 2009). Although, when SLE involves major organ, the disease can be put into remission with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy, these treatments can cause toxic results (Ntali, 2009).