What should be noted about systemic lupus erythematosus?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on November 27, 2024
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Patients with lupus should be cautious about several lifestyle factors. First, they should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, as ultraviolet rays can potentially trigger the activity of lupus. Second, they should not overexert themselves, as fatigue can also lead to an exacerbation of lupus symptoms. Third, they must strictly avoid infections. Due to the long-term use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, lupus patients have reduced immunity, and even a minor infection can become uncontrollable. For lupus patients, lifelong medication is crucial. Commonly used medications include corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine. If the patient's visceral systems are involved, immunosuppressants may also be required. Additionally, patients should consistently attend regular check-ups at the rheumatology clinic. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage multiple systems and affect multiple organs. Its occurrence is related to genetics, environmental pollution, hormonal levels, and infections. It is classified as an autoimmune disease and is not infectious or contagious. Once diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, it is important to thoroughly complete related examinations and assess the activity level of the disease, as treatment plans vary accordingly. Therefore, for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, there is no need to worry about it being contagious. However, there is a hereditary tendency, meaning if the parents have it, the likelihood of their children developing the disease is significantly higher than others.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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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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Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms

The symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus mainly include fever, oral ulcers, facial erythema, including discoid and malar rash, photosensitivity, joint pain, polyserositis, including pleural effusion and pericardial effusion, as well as kidney involvement. The main manifestations are positive urinary protein, hematuria, and casts in the urine. Severe cases may have neurological involvement, presenting as epilepsy, mental disorders, or altered consciousness. Blood tests in these patients can further reveal positive ANA, anti-double-stranded DNA, and anti-Sm antibodies, as well as low complement levels. These are the related symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Symptom Chart

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a multi-system, multi-organ autoimmune disease that cannot be cured but can only be controlled with medication to slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications. Clinical manifestations are diverse, with most early symptoms typically being atypical, and sometimes not presenting any discomfort at all. Some individuals may experience acute onset, which can include high fever, progressive decline in platelets, and even progressive anemia, all characteristic of the acute phase. Other common symptoms include fever, skin erythema, and even ischemia of the extremities. Some people may experience joint pain, mainly in the finger joints and knee joints, as well as swelling of the lower limbs, chest tightness, and decreased exercise tolerance, which are more typical manifestations.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
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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.)