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 Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus have children?

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can have children, but only if they are taking less than one and a half steroids and less than two hydroxychloroquine tablets. Additionally, they must be closely monitored throughout the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy, and regularly consult with both obstetricians and rheumatologists to discuss any necessary adjustments in treatment. This is because pregnancy is a high-risk factor for triggering lupus activity, with the disease often relapsing during the first six weeks of pregnancy and the six weeks following childbirth. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is not contagious.

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with an unclear cause. It can affect multiple organs including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. It is classified as an autoimmune disease and not a contagious one, so there is no need to worry about it spreading. However, this condition does have a certain genetic predisposition. For instance, if parents have systemic lupus erythematosus, then their offspring have a relatively higher chance of developing the condition compared to families without a history of the disease. Being an autoimmune disease, it cannot be cured but can only be managed with medications such as corticosteroids to control the progression of the disease. Therefore, during the course of steroid treatment, it is vital to prevent infections. Finally, it is important to emphasize once again that systemic lupus erythematosus is not contagious and does not pose a risk of transmission, so everyone can be reassured.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Is systemic lupus erythematosus serious?

Firstly, whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is severe cannot be generalized. It is an autoimmune disease that cannot be completely cured and can cause damage to multiple systems and organs, leading to serious complications. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a clinical analysis and assess the severity of the condition as mild, moderate, or severe after diagnosis. Furthermore, if severe anemia or a decrease in platelets occurs, the condition is relatively severe, and the presence of oliguria or anuria or central nervous system damage, this is known as lupus crisis. These conditions can be life-threatening, even leading to death. In such cases, the condition is relatively critical, and it is essential to actively treat and control the condition. Once the condition stabilizes, the medication dosage should be gradually reduced to maintain stability.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
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Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus drink alcohol?

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are advised not to drink alcohol as it can damage the gastric mucosa. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus often need to use corticosteroids for a long duration due to their condition, and prolonged use of corticosteroids can also harm the gastric mucosa. Therefore, drinking alcohol while using corticosteroids can easily lead to complications such as gastric ulcers, gastric bleeding, or even severe complications like hemorrhagic shock. Hence, it is recommended that lupus patients abstain from alcohol to protect their stomachs. By not consuming alcohol during corticosteroid treatment, the risk to the stomach can be significantly reduced.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus eat black fungus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems and organs. It cannot be cured and can only be managed through medications to control the progression of the disease and delay complications. It commonly occurs in women of childbearing age. In the early stages, when no other organs are damaged, there are no special dietary restrictions and black fungus can be eaten. However, fruits such as figs and bayberries, which are exposed to ultraviolet light for a long period, should be avoided. If the disease affects the kidneys causing damage such as proteinuria and increased creatinine, a diet low in salt, fat, and restricted in high-quality protein is necessary. High-quality protein mainly refers to lean meats and pure milk, and consumption of black fungus should be moderated.