10-10-06
Lupus

One of every 200 Americans struggle with the often debilitating health effects of lupus, a chronic disease that can cause inflammation and tissue damage to nearly every organ system in the body.
        
Lupus is an often misunderstood autoimmune 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.  Dr. Mark Francis, associate professor and chief of rheumatology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says there are two major types of lupus.

SOUND BITE:  " . . .  people who have lupus with major organ involvement versus people who have lupus without major organ involvement.  The majority of people who have lupus have what we call minor organ involvement.  They have skin manifestation or they may have arthritis.  They may have irritation of surrounding parts of their lung, but don’t have involvement of kidneys or the brain or other major organs.” 

Dr. Francis explains another form of lupus affects major organ systems and can cause very significant problems, some of which may be life threatening.
Lupus is more common in women than men.  It is difficult to diagnose because symptoms mimic other common diseases.  Dr. Francis says there are several treatments for the disease. 

SOUND BITE:  ". . . for some manifestations like arthritis manifestations we may recommend Tylenol.  For people who have rashes from sun exposure and we recommend sun blocks and for some people that’s all that’s needed.  For other people who have major organ involvement such as with their kidneys, we may recommend a high dose of steroids, immunosuppressive agents . . .”

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.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.