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Systemic lupus erythematosus

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of lupus.

Alternative Names

Lupus

Highlights

Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Overview

SLE is an autoimmune disease that causes a chronic inflammatory condition. The inflammation triggered

by SLE can affect many organs in the body, including skin, joints, kidneys, lung, and nervous system.

Women (especially African-American and Asian women) have a higher risk than men for developing SLE.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

SLE has a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptoms are joint pain, skin rash, and fever.

Symptoms can develop slowly or appear suddenly. Many patients with SLE have flares, in which

symptoms suddenly worsen and then settle down for long periods of time. Diagnosing SLE is

complicated because symptoms vary widely and can resemble other conditions. A doctor will base an

SLE diagnosis on certain specific criteria including symptom history and the results of blood tests for

antinuclear antibodies.

Treatment

No drug can cure SLE, but many different drugs can help control symptoms and relieve discomfort. The

choice of drugs depends on the severity of the condition as well as other factors. Patients with mild SLE

may be helped by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while patients with more severe SLE

may require corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. Belimumab (Benlysta) is a biologic drug that is

used along with standard drug treatments for patients with active lupus. Researchers are working to

develop new drugs and treatments for SLE.

Living with SLE

Patients can make lifestyle changes to help cope with SLE. These include:

Avoide excessive sunlight exposure, and wear sunscreen (ultraviolet light is the one of the main triggers

of flares)

Get plenty of rest (fatigue is another common SLE symptom)

Engage in regular light-to-moderate exercise to help fight fatigue and heart disease, and to keep joints

flexible


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Don't smoke and avoid exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke

Guidelines for Lupus Nephritis

In 2012, the American College of Rheumatology issued updated guidelines for the treatment of lupus-

associated kidney disease (lupus nephritis). Recommendations include:

All patients with signs of lupus nephritis should receive a kidney biopsy to evaluate and classify the

severity of the condition.

Patients with lupus nephritis should be sure to maintain blood pressure at 130/80 mm Hg or below.

For drug therapy, most patients are treated with hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, generic). The

immunosuppressants cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, generic) or mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept,

generic) are recommended for patients with moderate-to-severe lupus nephritis. Immunosuppressants

are not recommended for patients with very mild or very severe lupus nephritis.

Race makes a difference during the induction stage of therapy. Patients who are Hispanic or African

American tend to respond better to mycophenolate. Cyclophosphamide appears better for white

patients of European ethnicity.

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, often life-long, autoimmune disease. It can be mild to

severe, and affects mostly women. SLE may affect various parts of the body, but it most often manifests

in the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. The name describes the disease:

Systemic is used because the disease can affect organs and tissue throughout the body.

Lupus is Latin for wolf. It refers to the rash that extends across the bridge of the nose and upper

cheekbones and was thought to resemble a wolf bite.

Erythematosus is from the Greek word for red and refers to the color of the rash.

There are several different forms of lupus. SLE is the most common type and is the type of lupus that

can lead to serious systemic complications. Other forms of lupus include:

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus refers to lupus that is confined to the skin and does not affect other

parts of the body. About 10% of people with this type of lupus go on to develop SLE.

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a type of cutaneous lupus that produces a potentially scarring disc-

shaped rash on the face, scalp, or ears.

Drug-induced lupus is a temporary and mild form of lupus caused by certain prescription medications.

They include some types of high blood pressure drugs (such as hydralazine, ACE inhibitors, and calcium

channel blockers) and diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide). Symptoms resolve once the medication is

stopped.


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Neonatal lupus is a rare condition that sometimes affects infants born to mothers who have SLE. Babies

with neonatal lupus are born with skin rash, liver problems, and low blood counts and may develop

heart problems.

Causes

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder. In a normal immune system, the body

releases proteins (antibodies) to fight viruses, toxins and other potentially harmful foreign substances

(antigens). With lupus and other autoimmune diseases, the immune system does not work properly. It

produces autoantibodies that mistakenly attack and destroy the bodys own healthy cells and tissue.

These autoantibodies also trigger inflammation, which can lead to organ damage.

Autoantibodies called antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are detectable in most, although not all, patients

with SLE. Tests for the presence of ANA are used as part of the diagnostic work-up for the condition. (For

more information, see ANA Tests in Diagnosis section of this report.)

Scientists do not know exactly what causes the abnormal immune response associated withautoimmune disorders. It is most likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People who

develop an autoimmune disease may have a genetic predisposition that is triggered by some

environmental factor such as sunlight, stress hormones, or viruses. It does not appear that one gene

alone is responsible for lupus. Researchers estimate that 20 - 100 different genetic factors make a

person susceptible to SLE.

Risk Factors

Gender

About 90% of lupus patients are women, most diagnosed when they are in their childbearing years.Hormones may be an explanation. After menopause, women are only 2.5 times as likely as men to

contract SLE. Flares also become somewhat less common after menopause in women who have chronic

SLE.

Age

Most people develop SLE between the ages of 15 - 44. About 15% of patients experience the onset of

symptoms before age 18.

Race and Ethnicity

African-Americans are three to four times more likely to develop the disease than Caucasians and to

have severe complications. Hispanics and Asians are also more susceptible to the disease.

Family History

A family history plays a strong role in SLE. A brother or sister of a patient with the disorder has 20 times

the risk as someone without an immediate family member with SLE.


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Environmental Triggers

In genetically susceptible people, there are various external factors that can trigger symptoms (flares).

Possible SLE triggers include colds, fatigue, stress, chemicals, sunlight, and certain drugs.

Viruses. Some research suggests an association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the cause of

mononucleosis, and increased risk of lupus, particularly for African-Americans.

Sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays found in sunlight are important SLE triggers. UV light is categorized as UVB

or UVA depending on the length of the wave. Shorter UVB wavelengths cause the most harm.

Smoking. Smoking may be a risk factor for triggering SLE and can increase the risk for skin and kidney

problems in women who have the disease.

Chemicals. While no chemical has been definitively linked to SLE, occupational exposure to crystalline

silica has been studied as a possible trigger. (Silicone breast implants have been investigated as a

possible trigger of autoimmune diseases, including SLE. The weight of evidence to date, however, finds

no support for this concern.) Some prescription medications are associated with a temporary lupus

syndrome (drug-induced lupus), which resolves after these drugs are stopped.

Hormone Replacement Therapy. Premature menopause, and its accompanying symptoms (such as hot

flashes), is common in women with SLE. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is used to relieve

these symptoms, increases the risk for blood clots and heart problems as well as breast cancer. It is not

clear whether HRT triggers SLE flares. Women should discuss with their doctors whether HRT is an

appropriate and safe choice. Guidelines recommend that women who take HRT use the lowest possible

dose for the shortest possible time. Women with SLE who have active disease, antiphospholipid

antibodies, or a history of blood clots or heart disease should not use HRT.

Oral Contraceptives. Female patients with lupus used to be cautioned against taking oral contraceptives

(OCs) due to the possibility that estrogen could trigger lupus flare-ups. However, recent evidence

indicates that OCs are safe, at least for women with inactive or stable lupus. Women who have been

newly diagnosed with lupus should avoid OCs. Lupus can cause complications in its early stages. For this

reason, women should wait until the disease reaches a stable state before taking OCs. In addition,

women who have a history of, or who are at high risk for, blood clots (particularly women with

antiphospholipid syndrome) should not use OCs. The estrogen in OCs increases the risk for blood clots.

Complications

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause complications throughout the body.

Complications of the Blood

Almost 85% of patients with SLE experience problems associated with abnormalities in the blood.

Anemia. About half of patients with SLE are anemic. Causes include:


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Iron deficiencies resulting from excessive menstruation

Iron deficiencies from gastro-intestinal bleeding caused by some of the treatments

A specific anemia called hemolytic anemia, which destroys red blood cells

Anemia of chronic disease

Hemolytic anemia can occur with very high levels of the anticardiolipin antibody. It can be chronic or

develop suddenly and be severely (acute).

Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Between 34 - 42% of patients with SLE have antiphospholipid syndrome

(APS). This is a disorder of blood coagulation related to the presence of autoantibodies called lupus

anticoagulant and anticardiolipin. APS can cause blood clots, which most often occur in the deep veins

of the legs, a condition called deep vein thrombosis. Blood clots increase the risk for stroke and

pulmonary embolism (clots in the lungs). Patients with APS are also at high risk for pregnancy

complications, including miscarriage (see Pregnancy Complications below).

Vasculitis. Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels. If it becomes severe, it can cause blood to

stop flowing to organs and tissues, resulting in potentially life-threatening complications.

Thrombocytopenia. In thrombocytopenia, antibodies attack and destroy blood platelets. In such cases,

blood clotting is impaired, which causes bruising and bleeding from the skin, nose, gums, or intestines.

Leukopenia and Neutropenia. These conditions cause a drop in the number of white blood cells. They

are very common in lupus, but the condition is usually harmless unless the reductions are so severe that

they leave the patient vulnerable to infections.

Blood Cancers. Patients with SLE and other autoimmune disorders have a greater risk for developing

lymph system cancers such as Hodgkins disease and non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL).

Heart Complications

The risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke is much higher than average in patients with

SLE, and heart disease is a primary cause of death. The chronic inflammation associated with SLE can

cause plaque build-up in the hearts arteries (atherosclerosis), whichcan lead to coronary heart disease

and heart attack. SLE also affects blood vessels and circulation. In addition, SLE treatments (particularly

corticosteroids) can affect cholesterol, weight, and other factors that harm the heart. [For more

information, see In-Depth Report #03: Coronary artery disease.].

Patients with SLE have an increased risk for developing the following conditions, which put them at risk

for heart attack or stroke:

Atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries

Unhealthy cholesterol and lipid (fatty molecules) levels


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Symptoms vary widely and may overlap with psychiatric or neurologic disorders. They may also be

caused by of some medications used for treating SLE.

The most serious CNS disorder is inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain (CNS vasculitis), which

occurs in about 10% of patients with SLE. Fever, seizures, psychosis, and even coma can occur. Other

CNS side effects include:

Irritability

Emotional disorders (anxiety, depression)

Mild impairment of concentration and memory

Migraine and tension headaches

Problems with the reflex systems, sensation, vision, hearing, and motor control

Infections

Infections are a common complication and a major cause of death in all stages of SLE. Patients are not

only prone to the ordinary bacterial and viral infections, but they are also susceptible to fungal and

parasitic infections, which are common in people with weakened immune systems. They also face an

increased risk for urinary tract, herpes, salmonella, and yeast infections. Corticosteroid and

immunosuppressant drug treatments used for SLE also increase the risk for infections.

Gastrointestinal Complications

Many patients with SLE suffer gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, weight loss, mild abdominal

pain, diarrhea, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (heartburn). SLE can also affect organs located inthe gastrointestinal system, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and bile ducts.

Joint, Muscle, and Bone Complications

Patients with SLE often experience muscle aches and weakness. Lupus can also cause pain, stiffness, and

swelling in the joints. However, unlike rheumatoid arthritis, the arthritis caused by SLE almost never

leads to destruction or deformity of joints. Patients with SLE also commonly experience reductions in

bone mass density (osteoporosis) and have a higher risk for fractures, whether or not they are taking

corticosteroids (which can increase the risk for osteoporosis). Women who have SLE should have regular

bone mineral density scans to monitor bone health.

Click the icon to see an image of osteoporosis. Click the icon to see an image of osteoporosis.

Eye Complications

Many patients with SLE have problems with dry eyes. Retinal vascular lesions (blood vessel damage due

to reduced blood flow) are also common and may affect vision. Nerve damage in the eyes can also cause

poor vision as well as droopy eyelids.


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Pregnancy Complications

Women with lupus face a higher risk for pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, premature

birth, and preeclampsia. The risk for miscarriage is highest for patients with antiphospholipid antibodies,

which can cause blood clotting in the placenta. Lupus patients with active kidney disease are at

increased risk for preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication that includes high blood pressure and fluidbuild-up). Pregnant women who take corticosteroids face increased risks of gestational diabetes and

high blood pressure.

Despite these obstacles, many women with lupus have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies.

To increase the odds of a successful pregnancy, it is important for women to plan carefully before

becoming pregnant. (See Pregnancy and SLE in Treatment section of this report.)

Prognosis

SLE is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disease. It is marked by periods of remission (no symptoms)

that alternate with flares of active disease when symptoms suddenly worsen. Flares tend to diminishafter menopause.

Symptom-free periods can sometimes last for years, but the course of SLE is unpredictable and varies

greatly from person to person. Some patients have a mild form of lupus with occasional skin rashes,

fever, fatigue, or joint and muscle aches. Sometimes lupus remains in a mild form, other times it may

progress to a more severe form. Severe lupus involves serious health complications and extensive

internal organ damage (such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain).

Because of more effective and aggressive treatment, the prognosis for SLE has improved markedly over

the past two decades. Treatment early in the course of the illness that controls the initial inflammation

can help to improve long-term outlook. Over 95% of people with lupus survive at least 10 years, and

many patients have a normal lifespan.

Symptoms

SLE symptoms may develop slowly over months or years, or they may appear suddenly. Symptoms tend

to vary among patients and different symptoms can occur at different times.

Common symptoms of SLE include:

Joint pain and stiffness, which is often accompanied by swelling and redness. The joints most affected

are fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles.

Skin rash, including the characteristic butterfly rash on the face that extends over the bridge of the

nose and cheeks. Rash can also appear on other parts of the face or other skin areas that are exposed to

sun.

Fever


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Extreme fatigue

Weight loss

Loss of appetite, nausea, and weight loss

Chest pain

Bruising

Menstrual irregularities

Dry eyes

Mouth ulcers

Brittle hair or hair loss

Painful, pale or purple fingers or toes triggered by cold or stress (Raynauds phenomenon)

Anxiety, depression, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating

Click the icon to see an image of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Click the icon to see an image of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Conditions with Similar Symptoms

A number of conditions overlap with SLE:

Scleroderma: Hardening of the skin caused by overproduction of collagen

Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammation of the lining of the joints

Sjgren syndrome: Characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth

Mixed connective tissue disorder: Similar to SLE, but milder

Myositis: Inflammation and degeneration of muscle tissues

Rosacea: Flushed face with pus-filled blisters

Seborrheic dermatitis: Sores on lips and nose

Lichen planus: Swollen rash that itches, typically on scalp, arms, legs, or in the mouth

Dermatomyositis: Bluish-red skin eruptions on face and upper body

Lyme disease: Bulls-eye rash, joint inflammation, and flu-like symptoms


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Diagnosis

SLE can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can fluctuate and mimic those of other diseases. A doctor

will make a diagnosis of SLE based on symptoms, medical history, physical exam and blood test for

antinuclear antibodies. The doctor may also order other types of laboratory tests.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has a classification system for helping doctors diagnose, or

exclude, SLE. According to the ACR, at least four of the 11 criteria should be present for a diagnosis of

lupus.

ACR Criteria for Diagnosing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

1. Butterfly (malar) rash across cheeks and nose

2. Discoid (skin) rash, which appears as scaly raised red patches

3. Photosensitivity

4. Oral (mouth) ulcers

5. Arthritis in two or more joints; joints will have tenderness and swelling but will not have become

deformed

6. Inflammation of the lining around the lungs (pleuritis) or the heart (endocarditis)

7. Evidence of kidney disease

8. Evidence of severe neurologic disease, such as seizures or psychosis

9. Blood disorders, including low red and white blood cell and platelet counts

10. Immunologic abnormalities as evidenced by positive tests for anti-double stranded DNA (anti-

dsDNA), anti-SM, anti-Ro, and anti-LA antibodies

11. Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

Note: A patient must experienced four of the criteria before a doctor can classify the condition as SLE.

These criteria, proposed by the American College of Rheumatology, are not exclusive criteria for

diagnosis, however.

Tests for Autoantibodies (ANA Test)

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANAs). A primary test for SLE checks for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which

attack the cell nucleus.

High levels of ANA are found in more than 98% of patients with SLE. Other conditions, however, also

cause high levels of ANA, so a positive test is not a definite diagnosis for SLE:


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Antinuclear antibodies may be strongly present in other autoimmune diseases (such as scleroderma,

Sjgren syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis).

They also may be weakly present in about 20 - 40% of healthy women.

Some drugs can also produce positive antibody tests, including hydralazine, procainamide, isoniazid, and

chlorpromazine.

A negative ANA test makes a diagnosis of SLE unlikely but not impossible. High or low concentrations of

ANA also do not necessarily indicate the severity of the disease, since antibodies tend to come and go in

patients with SLE.

In general, the ANA test is considered a screening test:

If SLE-like symptoms are present and the ANA test is positive, other tests for SLE will be administered.

If SLE-like symptoms are not present and the test is positive, the doctor will look for other causes, or the

results will be ignored if the patient is feeling healthy.

ANA Subtypes. Doctors may also test for specific ANA subtypes.

Anti-double stranded DNA (Anti-ds DNA) is more likely to be found only in patients with SLE. It may play

an important role in injury to blood vessels found in SLE, and high levels often indicate kidney

involvement. Anti-ds DNA levels tend to fluctuate over time and may even disappear.

Anti-Sm antibodies are also usually found only with SLE. Levels are more constant and are more likely to

be detected in African-American patients. Although many lupus patients may not have this antibody, its

presence almost always indicates SLE.

When the ANA is negative but the diagnosis is still strongly suspected, a test for anti-Ro (also called anti-

SSA) and anti-La (also called anti-SSB) antibodies may identify patients with a rare condition called ANA

negative, Ro lupus. These autoantibodies may be involved in the sun-sensitive rashes experienced by

patients with SLE and are also found in association with neonatal lupus syndrome, in which a pregnant

mother's antibodies cross the placenta and cause inflammation in the developing child's skin or heart.

Antiphospholipid Antibodies. Up to half of patients with SLE have antiphospholipid antibodies, which

increase the risk for blood clots, strokes, and pregnancy complications. If a doctor suspects SLE blood

abnormalities, tests may be able to detect the presence of the two major antiphospholipid antibodies:

lupus coagulant antibody and anticardioplin antibody.

As with the ANA, these antibodies have a tendency to appear and disappear. Patients who have these

autoantibodies as well as blood clotting problems or frequent miscarriages are diagnosed with

antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which often occurs in SLE but can also develop independently.

Other Blood Tests


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Complement. Blood tests of patients with SLE often show low levels of serum complement, a group of

proteins in the blood that aid the body's infection fighters. Individual proteins are termed by the letter

"C" followed by a number. Common complement tests measure C3, C4, C1q, and CH50. Complement

levels are especially low if there is kidney involvement or other disease activity.

Blood Count. White and red blood cell and platelet counts are usually lower than normal and, dependingon severity, are used to determine complications, such as anemia or infection.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) measures

how fast red blood cells (erythrocytes) fall to the bottom of a fine glass tube that is filled with the

patient's blood. A high sed rate indicates inflammation.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP). High levels of this blood protein indicate inflammation. Like the ESR, the CRP

test cannot tell where the inflammation is located or what is causing it.

Click the icon to see an image of the formed elements of blood. Click the icon to see an image of the

formed elements of blood.

Skin Tests

If a skin rash is present, the doctor may take a biopsy (a tissue sample) from the margin of a skin lesion.

A test known as a lupus band detects immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which are located just below

the outer layer of the tissue sample. They are much more likely to be present with active SLE than with

inactive disease.

Tests for Complications of SLE

Kidney Damage (Lupus Nephritis). Kidney damage in patients already diagnosed with SLE may be

detected from the following tests:

Blood tests that measure creatinine, a protein metabolized in muscles and excreted in the urine. High

levels suggest kidney damage, although kidney problems can also be present with normal creatinine

levels.

Urine tests to measure protein levels

Tests for detecting anti-ds DNA antibodies and blood complements.

All patients who show signs of lupus nephritis should have a kidney biopsy to evaluate and classify the

extent of kidney damage.

Patients who are diagnosed with lupus nephritis should continue to receive urine and blood tests every

13 months to monitor their condition. Regular blood pressure measurements are also important to

ensure that the patients blood pressure does not go above 130/80 mm Hg.

Lung and Heart Involvement. A chest x-ray may be performed to check lung and heart function. An

electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram are administered if heart disease is suspected.


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Click the icon to see an image of an electrocardiogram. Click the icon to see an image of an

electrocardiogram.

Treatment

No treatment cures systemic lupus erythematosus, but many therapies can suppress symptoms and

relieve discomfort. There are also different treatments for the complications associated with lupus.

Treatment of SLE varies depending on the extent and severity of the disease.

Four drugs are specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of lupus:

Prednisone

Aspirin

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, generic)

Belimumab (Benlysta)

Belimumab (Benlysta) is the newest of these drugs. Approved by the FDA in 2011, it is the first new

lupus drug in over 50 years and the first drug developed specifically for treating lupus. Belimumab is a

biologic monoclonal antibody drug that inhibits a protein called B lymphocyte stimulator. It is given by

infusion in a doctors office. Most other lupus drug treatments are given as pills taken by mouth.

Other drugs that have not been specifically approved for lupus are also commonly used to treat the

condition. Researchers are conducting many investigational drug studies, including trials of new biologic

drugs.

Treating Mild Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Less intensive treatments may be effective for symptoms of mild lupus. They include:

Creams and sunblocks for rashes

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for fever, arthritis, and headache

Hydroxychloroquine or similar antimalarial drugs for pleurisy, mild kidney involvement, and

inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart

Treating Severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

More aggressive treatment is needed if there is serious disease progression, as evidenced by:

Hemolytic anemia

Low platelet count with an accompanying rash (thrombocytopenia purpura)

Major involvement in the lungs or heart


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Significant kidney damage

Acute inflammation of the small blood vessels in the extremities or gastrointestinal tract

Severe central nervous system symptoms

The primary approach to treating severe SLE is to suppress the inflammation and overactive immune

system with corticosteroids or immunosuppressant drugs. Other types of medications, such as drugs to

control high blood pressure, may also be prescribed.

Treating Specific Complications

The major complications of the disease must be treated as separate disorders, keeping in mind the

specific aspects of SLE.

Pregnancy and SLE

Women with lupus who conceive face high-risk pregnancies that increase the risks for themselves andtheir babies. It is important for women to understand the potential complications and plan accordingly.

The most important advice is to try to avoid becoming pregnant when lupus is active. Research suggests

that the following factors predict a successful pregnancy:

Disease state at time of conception. Doctors strongly recommend that women wait to conceive until

their disease state has been inactive for at least 6 months.

Kidney (renal) function. Women should make sure that their kidney function is evaluated prior to

conception. Poor kidney function can worsen high blood pressure and cause excess protein in the urine.

These complications increase the risk for preeclampsia (high blood pressure doing pregnancy) and

miscarriage. Patients with severe kidney damage (lupus nephritis) may need to have the baby delivered

early.

Lupus-related antibodies. Antiphospholipid and anticardiolipin antibodies can increase the risks for

blood clots, preeclampsia, miscarriage, and stillbirths. Anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies can increase the

risk for neonatal lupus erythematosus, a condition that can cause skin rash and liver and heart damage

to the newborn baby. Levels of these antibodies should be tested at the start of pregnancy. Certain

medications (aspirin, heparin) and tests (fetal heart monitoring) may be needed to ensure a safe

pregnancy.

Medication use during pregnancy. Women with active disease may need to take low-dosecorticosteroids, combined with azathioprine if necessary, but women with inactive disease should avoid

these drugs. High doses of steroids can increase a pregnant womans risks for diabetes and high blood

pressure. Pregnant women should not take mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept, generic),

cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), or methotrexate (Rheumatrex) because they can cause birth defects.

Treatment for Mild SLE


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Creams and Sunblocks

Creams. Steroid creams are often used for skin lesions. However, many patients with cutaneous lupus

do not respond to steroids, particularly if they have eruptions that are caused by sun sensitivity. A cream

derived from vitamin A (Tegison) may help some lesions that do not clear up with steroid creams.

Sun Protection. Sun protection is essential. Patients should always use sunblock creams (not just

sunscreens) and always wear hats and clothing made of tightly woven fabrics.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs block prostaglandins, the substances that dilate blood vessels and cause inflammation and pain.

They can help relieve joint pain and swelling, and muscle pain. There are dozens of NSAIDs.

Over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, generic), naproxen (Aleve, generic),

ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis KT, generic).

Prescription NSAIDs include prescription forms of ibuprofen naproxen and ketoprofen, diclofenac

(Voltaren, generic), and tolmetin (Tolectin, generic).

Side Effects. Regular, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, which can

lead to anemia. To avoid these problems, its best to take NSAIDs with food or immediately after a meal.

Long-term use of NSAIDs (with the exception of aspirin) can also increase the risk for heart attack and

stroke.

Other NSAID side effects may include:

Upset stomach

Dyspepsia (burning, bloated feeling in pit of stomach)

Drowsiness

Skin bruising

High blood pressure

Fluid retention

Headache

Rash

Reduced kidney function

Long-term use may increase the risk of heart disease


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Patients who have kidney problems associated with lupus (lupus nephritis) should be especially cautious

about using NSAIDs. Patients with lupus who take NSAIDs on a regular basis should have their liver and

kidney function tested every 3 - 4 months.

An ulcer is a crater-like lesion on the skin or a mucus membrane, such as the lining of the stomach,

caused by an inflammatory, infectious, or malignant condition. Patients can take certain medicines to

suppress the acid in the stomach causing the erosion of the stomach lining. Endoscopic therapy can be

used to stop bleeding from the ulcer.

Antimalarial Drugs

A doctor may prescribe antimalarial drugs for mild SLE when skin problems and joint pains are the

predominant symptoms:

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, generic) is the most common antimalarial drug used for lupus. This drug

is effective as maintenance therapy to reduce flares in patients with mild or inactive disease.

Hydroxychloroquine may help protect against blood clots in people with antiphospholipid syndrome,

high cholesterol levels, and bone loss. It is also an important treatment for patients with lupus kidney

disease.

Other antimalarial drugs include chloroquine (Aralen, generic) or quinacrine (Atabrine, generic).

Treatment may start initially with high doses in order to accumulate high levels of the drug in the

bloodstream. It is not known exactly why antimalarials work. Some researchers believe they inhibit the

immune response, and others think they interfere specifically with inflammation.

Side Effects. Side effects of antimalarials may include:

Skin rash

Change in skin color (yellow in the case of quinacrine)

Gastrointestinal problems

Headache

Hair loss

Muscle aches

Eye damage

The most serious side effect is damage to the retina, although this is very uncommon at low doses. Eye

damage after taking hydroxychloroquine is reversible when caught in time and treated, but it is not


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reversible if the damage develops after taking chloroquine. An eye exam is advisable about every 6

months.

Antimalarials may also be used in combination with other anti-SLE drugs, including immunosuppressants

and corticosteroids. It should be noted that smoking significantly reduces the effectiveness of

antimalarial drugs.

Treatment for Severe SLE

Corticosteroids

Severe SLE is treated with corticosteroids, also called steroids, which suppress the inflammatory

process. Steroids can help relieve many of the complications and symptoms, including anemia and

kidney involvement.

Oral prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, generic) is usually prescribed. Other drugs include

methylprednisolone (Medrol, Solumedrol, generic), hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone (Decadron,

generic).

Some people need to take oral prednisone for only a short time; others may require it for a long

duration. An intravenous administration of methylprednisolone using "pulse" therapy for 3 days can

help reduce flare-ups in the joints. Combinations with other drugs, particularly immunosuppressants

such as azathioprine, may be beneficial.

Regimens vary widely, depending on the severity and location of the disease. Most patients with SLE can

eventually function without prednisone, although some may have to choose between the long-term

toxicity of corticosteroids and the complications of active disease. In certain situations (for example, at

the start of treatment for lupus nephritis ), steroids may be given intravenously for a few days.

Side Effects of Long-Term Oral Corticosteroids. Unfortunately, serious and even life-threatening

complications are associated with long-term oral steroid use:

Osteoporosis

Cataracts

Glaucoma

Diabetes

Fluid retention

Susceptibility to infections

Weight gain

High blood pressure


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Acne

Excess hair growth

Wasting of the muscles

Menstrual irregularities

Irritability

Insomnia

Psychosis

Withdrawal from Long-Term Use of Oral Corticosteroids. Long-term use of oral steroid medications

suppresses secretion of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands. After withdrawal from these

drugs, this adrenal suppression persists and it can take the body a while (sometimes up to a year) to

regain its ability to produce natural steroids again.

No one should stop taking any steroids without first consulting a doctor, and if steroids are withdrawn,

regular follow-up monitoring is necessary. Patients should discuss with their doctors measures for

preventing adrenal insufficiency during withdrawal, particularly during stressful times, when the risk

increases.

Immunosuppressant Drugs

Drugs known as immunosuppressants are often used, either alone or with corticosteroids, for very

active SLE. Immunosuppressants are particularly recommended when kidney or neurologic involvement

or acute blood vessel inflammation is present. These drugs suppress the immune system by damagingcells that grow rapidly, including those that produce antibodies.

Specific Immunosuppressants. The main immunosuppressants used for treating lupus are:

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, generic)

Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept, generic)

Azathioprine (Imuran, generic)

Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, generic), tacrolimus (Prograf, generic), and methotrexate (Rheumatrex) are

other immunosuppressants that are sometimes used.

For treating patients with lupus nephritis, the choice of immunosuppressant depends on the severity of

the condition and the patients race. The American College of Rheumatologys guidelines recommend:

For patients with moderate-to-severe lupus nephritis (class III or IV), either cyclophosphamide or

mycophenolate mofetil may be used. Cyclophosphamide is given intravenously. Mycophenolate is given


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in pill form. Intravenous corticosteroids may also be initially given, followed by oral prednisone for a few

weeks. Later treatment may include azathioprine.

For patients with more severe (class IV or V) types of lupus nephritis, steroids plus mycophenolate may

be considered.

For patients with very severe lupus nephritis (class VI), immunosuppresants are of little help and kidney

transplantation is the main option.

Race makes a difference. During the initial (induction) treatment stages, mycophenolate works better

for Hispanic or African American patients whereas cyclophosphamide is best for white patients of

European ethnicity.

Patients who do not respond to mycophenolate or cyclophosphamide may benefit from the biologic

drug rituximab (Rituxan) or possibly caclineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine.

Side Effects. The most frequent side effects of immunosuppressants include:

Stomach and intestinal problems

Skin rash

Mouth sores

Hair loss

Serious side effects of immunosuppressants include:

Low blood cell counts

Anemia

Menstrual irregularity

Early menopause

Ovarian failure

Infertility

Herpes zoster (shingles)

Liver and bladder toxicity

Increased risk of cancer

Kidney damage

Biologic Drugs


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Belimumab (Benlysta) is a monoclonal antibody drug that is used along with standard lupus drug

treatments such as corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunosuppressants, and NSAIDs. Approved in 2011,

belimumab is the first new lupus drug in over 50 years and was the first drug developed specifically for

treating lupus. The drug works by targeting and reducing the abnormal B cells that are thought to play a

role in lupus.

Belimumab is given directly into a vein by intravenous infusion. The infusion is given in a doctors office

or other clinical setting and takes about an hour. The patient receives an infusion every 2 weeks for the

first three treatments. After that, the patient receives an infusion once every 4 weeks.

Studies suggest that belimumab may reduce the likelihood of severe flares and may possibly help

patients reduce their doses of steroid medicine. However, in these studies, African-Americans and other

patients of African descent did not seem to respond to belimumab. Additional studies are being

conducted to determine if belimumab is safe and effective for these patients.

Belimumab has many side effects. The most common ones are nausea, diarrhea, and fever. Serious side

effects may include infections, heart problems, and depression including thoughts of suicide. The drug is

very expensive and some insurers may not pay for it.

Lifestyle Changes

Staying Active

People with SLE should try to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Light-to-moderate exercise,

interspersed with rest periods, is good for the heart, helps fight depression and fatigue, and can help

keep joints flexible.

Preventing Infections

Patients should be sure they are fully immunized and should minimize their exposure to crowds or

people with contagious illnesses. Careful hygiene, including dental hygiene, is also important.

Avoiding SLE Triggers

It is very important that patients with SLE avoid excessive exposure to sunlight. Simple preventive

measures include avoiding overexposure to ultraviolet rays and wearing protective clothing and

sunblocks. There is some concern that allergy shots may cause flare ups in certain cases. Patients who

may benefit from them should discuss risks and benefits with an SLE specialist. In general, patients with

SLE should use only hypoallergenic cosmetics or hair products. Cigarette smoking is a major trigger forSLE flares. It is very important that patients with SLE not smoke and avoid exposure to second-hand

cigarette smoke.

Reducing Stress

Chronic stress has profound physical effects and influences the progression of SLE. Getting adequate

rest of at least 8 hours and possibly napping during the day may be helpful. Maintaining social


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relationships and healthy activities may also help prevent the depression and anxiety associated with

the disease.

Resources

www.lupus.org -- Lupus Foundation of America

www.lupusny.org -- SLE Lupus Foundation

www.niams.nih.gov -- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

www.rheumatology.org -- American College of Rheumatology

www.lupusresearchinstitute.org -- Lupus Research Institute

Source: Systemic lupus erythematosus | University of Maryland Medical Center

http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/systemic-lupus-erythematosus#ixzz2lOKkmr76

University of Maryland Medical Center

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