Lupus Erythematosus Overview

An autoimmune disease causing inflammation in various body tissues.

The most common type of lupus, affecting multiple body systems.

Abnormal antibodies that target the body's own tissues in lupus.

Can include cardiovascular, nervous, blood, skin, kidney, lung, and musculoskeletal issues.

Lupus limited to the skin, can be acute, subacute, or chronic.

Hyperreactivity of B cells, driven by dysfunctional T-cell activity, leads to the production of autoantibodies against the body's own tissues.

A defect in apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death, is thought to contribute to autoantibody development by increasing cell death and disrupting immune tolerance.

Autoantibodies bind to their corresponding antigens, forming immune complexes that deposit in connective tissues, triggering inflammation and local damage.

SLE affects multiple organ systems, including the kidneys, musculoskeletal system, brain, heart, spleen, lung, GI tract, skin, and peritoneum, leading to widespread inflammation and damage.

CLE is a lupus type affecting only the skin. It has three subtypes: acute CLE (ACLE), subacute CLE (SCLE), and chronic CLE (CCLE) or discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE).

The exact cause of DIL is unknown, but it's believed to be triggered by certain medications, potentially through different mechanisms of autoimmunity development.

NL is caused by the passive transfer of autoantibodies, anti-RO/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB, from mother to fetus via the placenta.

NL is a combination of maternal autoantibodies passed via the placenta, fetal genetic factors, and environmental stressors.

Twin studies and family history suggest that SLE has a genetic component. Certain HLA genes are more common in people with SLE. This means you might be born with a higher chance of developing the disease.

While you might be born with a genetic susceptibility, environmental factors can trigger SLE. These include viruses, bacteria, chemicals, drugs, and even sunlight!

Sex hormones play a role in SLE. Women with SLE have lower levels of certain male hormones that typically suppress the immune system. Estrogen, on the other hand, can amplify immune responses, potentially contributing to SLE.

SLE is more common in women, affecting 90% of cases. It's also more prevalent in certain ethnic groups like Asian Americans, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans.

If one sibling has SLE, the risk for another sibling developing the disease is much higher compared to the general population.

Having another autoimmune condition, like rheumatoid arthritis, increases your risk for developing SLE.

Certain medications can trigger lupus-like symptoms. This is called drug-induced lupus, and it usually resolves when the medication is stopped.

Some common medications associated with DIL include procainamide, hydralazine, isoniazid, and certain anti-TNF drugs.

Episodes of worsening lupus symptoms, often triggered by various factors.

Excessive sun exposure can worsen lupus symptoms, as it can trigger inflammation.

Stress can contribute to lupus flare-ups, highlighting the connection between mental and physical health.

Getting enough sleep is crucial for lupus management, as lack of sleep can worsen symptoms.

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for lupus patients to reduce the risk of infections that can worsen symptoms.