Soc313: Social Implications of Medical Issues
Rebecca E. Clark
SOC313: Social Implications of Medical Issues
A Look At Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Instructor: Mandee Rowley
August 13, 2012
A Look At Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is primarily a disease of young women. The disease has a wide array of manifestations and can be fatal. SLE produces antibodies to the body’s own cells leading to full-body inflammation and tissue damage. The causes of the disease are unknown but have been linked to genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. A patient with SLE may experience times of extreme illness and full remissions. The disease can affect joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. Common signs and symptoms of SLE are fatigue, pain or swelling in joints, skin rashes, and fevers. Multiple providers are required in treating lupus due to the number of organ systems and body areas involved. A diagnosis of SLE impacts hundreds of thousands of people each year. A diagnosis of SLE can impact a patient’s life physically, emotionally, and financially. There are numerous campaigns and programs available for those that have been diagnosed from self-management education of the disease and it’s symptoms to physical activity programs to improve the health and endurance of the patient. These programs offer evidence based interventions to help minimize the impact of SLE on a patient’s life. There are also numerous research efforts of the disease for the health care providers in better treatment of the disease and for the patient’s in coping with the signs and symptoms. The medical description of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an auto-immune disease of un-known cause. The disease affects multiple organs and causes multiple systemic symptoms. It is a very unpredictable disease; it can progress quickly or slowly and the experienced symptoms vary from patient to patient. The disease has no cure
SOC313: Social Implications of Medical Issues
A Look At Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Instructor: Mandee Rowley
August 13, 2012
A Look At Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is primarily a disease of young women. The disease has a wide array of manifestations and can be fatal. SLE produces antibodies to the body’s own cells leading to full-body inflammation and tissue damage. The causes of the disease are unknown but have been linked to genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. A patient with SLE may experience times of extreme illness and full remissions. The disease can affect joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. Common signs and symptoms of SLE are fatigue, pain or swelling in joints, skin rashes, and fevers. Multiple providers are required in treating lupus due to the number of organ systems and body areas involved. A diagnosis of SLE impacts hundreds of thousands of people each year. A diagnosis of SLE can impact a patient’s life physically, emotionally, and financially. There are numerous campaigns and programs available for those that have been diagnosed from self-management education of the disease and it’s symptoms to physical activity programs to improve the health and endurance of the patient. These programs offer evidence based interventions to help minimize the impact of SLE on a patient’s life. There are also numerous research efforts of the disease for the health care providers in better treatment of the disease and for the patient’s in coping with the signs and symptoms. The medical description of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an auto-immune disease of un-known cause. The disease affects multiple organs and causes multiple systemic symptoms. It is a very unpredictable disease; it can progress quickly or slowly and the experienced symptoms vary from patient to patient. The disease has no cure
References: CDC (April 20, 2012). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - cdcinfo@cdc.gov. Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion | Division of Population Health. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/lupus.htm Falvo, D. (2009). Medical and psychosocial aspects of chronic illness and disability. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00042523. (March 3, 2008). Role of Antibodies in Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00042523?term=systemic+lupus+erythematosus&rank=17 Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (2012). Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. National Office. 2000 L Street, N.W., Suite 410 Washington, DC 20036.http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_learnunderstanding.aspx?articleid=2231&zoneid=523 belimumab, Benlysta. (1996-2012). MedicineNet, Inc. Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD , [pic] Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99. Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD http://www.medicinenet.com/belimumab/article.htm