How to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on March 12, 2025
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Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that commonly occurs in women of childbearing age. It is an autoimmune disease that cannot be cured but can only be managed with medications to alleviate symptoms, delay complications, and control the progression of the disease. Once diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, it is necessary to score the disease activity to assess whether other organs are involved. The treatment of this disease primarily involves the use of corticosteroids, which should be calculated based on body weight. Initially, an adequate dose of corticosteroids should be administered. After stabilizing the disease for a month, the dosage should be reduced weekly. During the medication period, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood routine, liver and kidney function, complement levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 19sec home-news-image

Initial symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems and organs and is associated with a variety of autoimmune antibodies, primarily occurring in women of childbearing age. Its clinical manifestations are diverse, with the condition being mild and recurrently evolving. The most common symptoms involve changes to the skin, where various types of edematous erythema can occur, and in severe cases, there can be blisters, ulcers, erosion, skin atrophy, hyperpigmentation, and scar formation. Among these, the butterfly rash is most specific. Additionally, other symptoms may include joint swelling and pain; kidney involvement can lead to foamy urine, which is a common presentation; gastrointestinal involvement can cause diarrhea, and neurological involvement can lead to mental disorders and seizures. Therefore, once facial rashes, photosensitivity, or joint swelling and pain occur, it is crucial to be vigilant, undergo relevant examinations promptly, diagnose early, and treat early, as it is very important for the prognosis of the disease.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What to do if systemic lupus erythematosus causes a fever?

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who develop a fever first need to discern whether the fever is due to immune-related fever caused by the activity of the disease or an infectious fever due to weakened immunity from long-term use of steroids and immunosuppressants. If the fever is caused by lupus activity, then it is necessary to increase the dosage of corticosteroids in treatment. If the fever is due to an infection, a full course of anti-infection treatment is needed. The anti-infection regimen may even need to include treatments with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral medications. (Please follow professional medical advice for medication use, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease.

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease. It is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems and organs and cannot be cured. It can only be controlled over the long term with medication. The goals of comprehensive treatment are to control symptoms, prevent relapses, slow the progression of the disease, and provide symptomatic treatment. Because this disease cannot be cured, it is important to avoid sun exposure, overwork, and getting chilled in daily life to prevent triggering or worsening the condition. Particularly in women, it is crucial to avoid oral contraceptives.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 34sec home-news-image

Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus have children?

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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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.