Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus have children?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, and it can affect multiple organs including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Once diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, it is essential to complete routine urine tests, 24-hour urine protein quantification, chest CT, and other related examinations to fully assess the condition and distinguish between mild, moderate, and severe cases. Treatment plans should be formulated based on the assessment of the condition. If it is purely systemic lupus erythematosus without damage to other organs and the condition is stable with reduced maintenance doses of steroids, then pregnancy can be considered. However, during pregnancy, it is crucial to regularly monitor pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary artery pressure, 24-hour urine protein quantification, and kidney function. If complications such as lupus nephritis occur, treatment decisions should be based on the condition. For instance, if there is an increase in creatinine and significant proteinuria, pregnancy is not recommended as it can exacerbate the burden on the kidneys and lead to further deterioration of kidney function.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What is the best food to eat for systemic lupus erythematosus?

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems and organs and cannot be cured. It can only be managed through medications to control the progression of the disease and delay the onset of complications. Therefore, it's not about what food is good for lupus, but rather about managing any complications it may have. Some foods to avoid include tomatoes, bayberries, figs, celery, bananas, as well as other fruits and vegetables that have been exposed to prolonged sunlight. The general principle is to adopt a low-salt, low-fat diet while increasing the intake of high-quality proteins, primarily lean meats and pure milk, to boost resistance and immunity.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What should be done if systemic lupus erythematosus causes a fever?

If patients with systemic lupus erythematosus develop a fever, it is first necessary to determine whether the fever is caused by poor control of systemic lupus erythematosus, leading to an immune-related fever, or if it is due to the patient's long-term use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, resulting in decreased resistance and an acute infection, thus causing the fever. If the fever is immune-related, it will be necessary to strengthen treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. If the fever is due to an infection, regular anti-infection treatment will be required, which sometimes includes antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral therapies. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can systemic lupus erythematosus be cured?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multi-system autoimmune disease and a chronic condition with an unclear cause, making it incurable. Treatment primarily involves medication to control the progression of the disease, prevent relapse, and delay the onset of complications in other organs. The comprehensive goal of treatment is to manage these aspects. Additionally, exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided, and women should avoid oral contraceptives, as these can trigger active lupus. Furthermore, it's crucial to avoid consuming figs, bayberries, and other fruits that have been exposed to ultraviolet light over a long period, as they can also induce lupus activity.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Early symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease causing multi-system damage, with clinical presentations that vary greatly between individuals. Most cases begin gradually, but some can onset abruptly, meaning severe complications that can threaten life can emerge within weeks or days. Early symptoms are often atypical. During active phases, most patients with systemic lupus erythematosus experience varying degrees of low-grade fever, with low to moderate fevers being most common. The primary manifestations include erythema of the skin and mucous membranes, and some individuals may experience photosensitivity, which results in a facial rash after exposure to sunlight. This is one of the most common clinical presentations.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What department should I go to for systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease and can test positive for multiple antibodies, affecting various organs throughout the body. Its primary manifestations are damage to the skin, mucous membranes, and kidneys. The most common and characteristic symptom is the butterfly rash on the skin and mucous membranes. Some people may also experience facial rashes, blisters, and even chilblain-like changes. Such skin changes should be viewed with caution. Additionally, symptoms can include general weakness and low-grade fever. This condition requires formal treatment from a rheumatology and immunology department.