What is LUPUS?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Lupus is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by loss of immunological tolerance to self nuclear antigens and aberrant autoimmune B & T cell responses causing organ damage.
Managing LUPUS
SLE is a complex and challenging disease due to its serological complexity, clinical diversity (different types of disease manifestations) and multiple comorbidities (other associated diseases). Advances in understanding the mechanism and progression (pathophysiology) of lupus have changed the therapeutic landscape of this disease. Several drugs are available and many more are in the pipeline currently. The need of the hour is to strike a balance between early diagnosis, drug efficacy, availability and cost.
Do’s & Don’ts
1) Do take medication as advised,
2) Do visit doctors as needed or scheduled,
3) Do follow proper exercise
4) Do not follow a healthy and emotionally happy lifestyle
5) Do learn about Lupus
6) Do spread right information and awareness
Do’s & Don’ts
1) Do not smoke
2) Do not plan pregnancy without consulting doctors
3) Do not skip medicines
4) Do not skip routine visit to doctors
5) Do not believe in misconceptions and social stigmas
Misconceptions
Misconception 1: Lupus is
contagious
·
Reality : It is not contagious
Misconception 2: Lupus only
occurs in women and not in men
·
Reality : Occurrence in women is more frequent and men do have
Lupus.
Misconception 3: Only a butterfly
rash is a sign of Lupus
·
Reality : No; but it is a characteristic presentation.
Misconception 4: Lupus patients
cannot get pregnant
·
Reality : Absolutely wrong.
Misconception 5: Lupus patients
are lazy
·
Reality : Absolutely wrong.
Misconception 6: Sun exposure
should be avoided if the patients develop rash
·
Reality : Yes.
Misconception 7: Exercise if you
have Lupus
·
Reality : Yes.
Misconception 8: Lupus is
uncommon
·
Reality : Lupus is not so common.
Misconception 9: Only young
struggle with Lupus
·
Reality : Lupus can occur at any age.
Misconception 10: A lupus diagnosis is almost always deadly
· Reality : Absolute myth.
Pregnancy & Lupus
Lupus per se is not contra
indication for pregnancy.
But the pregnancy should be
planned and regular visits to rheumatologists and gynaecologists are essential
as a part of monitoring the disease activity so that appropriate measures can
be taken at the right time.
The patient must be in a
state of clinical remission or minimal disease activity.
All serological markers,
specially Anti RO / LA antibodies and Anti phospholipid antibodies with Lupus
anti coagulant and beta -2 glycoprotien antibodies must be done.
Pregnancy & Lupus
Pregnancy causes flare up of
Lupus activities and this should be appropriately dealt with.
Patient with Lupus have
higher risk of pre term birth increased caesarean section small for gestational
age babies along with still birth. Pre-eclampsia and Ecclampsia are more common
in Lupus mothers than in general.
Babies may suffer from a
disease known as a neo natal Lupus syndrome. This is characterised by skin
rashes and sometimes heart-blocks which poses an emergency. Anti RO / LA
antibodies are supposed predisposed to this condition.
Child with Lupus