10-11-05
Lupus

One in every two thousand Americans struggle with the often debilitating health effects of lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and tissue damage to nearly every organ system in the body.

Lupus is an often misunderstood disease that involves joint pain, fatigue, fevers and skin rashes. Inflammation caused by lupus can damage the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain and result in significant disability or even death. There are various types of lupus says Dr. Mark Francis, associate professor and chief of rheumatology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.

SOUND BITE: "There is a form of lupus that is very mild. It is not associated with any increased risk for mortality and it is relatively easy to control. And people who have this generally have arthritis problems, skin related problems and go on for the most part to live nice, normal lives."

Dr. Francis says another form of lupus affects major organ systems and can cause very significant problems, some of which may be life threatening.

Treatments for lupus range from doing nothing to using some very high dose immunosuppressive agents. Some people require only sun protection when they go outside. People who have sun-induced skin lesions may require medications like acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal drug.

SOUND BITE: ". . . there are some people who have more significant problems related to kidney damage for example. In this situation, patients may need a high doses of steroids, medications such as psytoxin or selsept to get the disease under control."

Dr. Francis says people who have lupus should try to stay active and not let it interfere with normal activities. It is important to work with their physician to determine the appropriate level of therapy.