Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research Paper
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
BIO 221 Section 3
April 3, 2012
The A.D.A.M Medical Encyclopedia defines Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) as a long-term autoimmune and chronic inflammation disorder that affects many organs, such as the skin, kidneys, and brain, and also affects the joints (A.D.A.M Editorial, 2000). When a person is diagnosed with SLE, it simply means that their immune system has turned against itself, and it is now producing autoantibodies and cytotoxic T cells that attack certain tissues and organs in the body. This is called autoimmunity. Symptoms of the disease vary from one person to the next, but almost all cases experience joint pain and swelling (A.D.A.M. Editorial, 2000). The disease involves all of the key components
of the immune system and has the potential to become fatal (Rahman and Isenberg, 2008). SLE is a very difficult disease to diagnose. It’s often called “the great imitator” because its symptoms are very similar to those of many different diseases (How Is, 2012). SLE can only be diagnosed after several laboratory tests and a very close review of current symptoms, the patient’s medical history, and the medical history of the patient’s close family members (How Is, 2012). These tests can be run by any licensed physician, but over time, a consultation with a rheumatologist might be needed (How Is, 2012). Currently, there is no cure for SLE. The ultimate goal is to treat and control the symptoms of the disease (A.D.A.M. Editorial, 2000). Medicines that have been proven effective include anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunosuppressives medication, and anticoagulants (Treating Lupus, 2012). Studies suggest that the disease is inherited genetically, but there is no known cause for SLE (Rhaman and Isenberg, 2008). Because of this, it is difficult to know how to prevent it from happening (How Can, 2008).
Literature Cited
A.D.A.M. Editorial Board. "Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors." Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Nov. 2000. Web. 01 Apr. 2012.
"How Can I Prevent Lupus?" Health Search Engine, Health Communities and Information. Healia/Meredith Corporation, 16 Dec. 2008. Web. 01 Apr. 2012.
"How Is Lupus Diagnosed." Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2012.
Rahman, Ph.D., Anisur, and David A. Isenberg, Ph.D. "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus." New England Journal of Medicine 358.22 (2008): 929-39. Print.
"Treating Lupus." Lupus Foundation of America, 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2012.
BIO 221 Section 3
April 3, 2012
The A.D.A.M Medical Encyclopedia defines Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) as a long-term autoimmune and chronic inflammation disorder that affects many organs, such as the skin, kidneys, and brain, and also affects the joints (A.D.A.M Editorial, 2000). When a person is diagnosed with SLE, it simply means that their immune system has turned against itself, and it is now producing autoantibodies and cytotoxic T cells that attack certain tissues and organs in the body. This is called autoimmunity. Symptoms of the disease vary from one person to the next, but almost all cases experience joint pain and swelling (A.D.A.M. Editorial, 2000). The disease involves all of the key components
of the immune system and has the potential to become fatal (Rahman and Isenberg, 2008). SLE is a very difficult disease to diagnose. It’s often called “the great imitator” because its symptoms are very similar to those of many different diseases (How Is, 2012). SLE can only be diagnosed after several laboratory tests and a very close review of current symptoms, the patient’s medical history, and the medical history of the patient’s close family members (How Is, 2012). These tests can be run by any licensed physician, but over time, a consultation with a rheumatologist might be needed (How Is, 2012). Currently, there is no cure for SLE. The ultimate goal is to treat and control the symptoms of the disease (A.D.A.M. Editorial, 2000). Medicines that have been proven effective include anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunosuppressives medication, and anticoagulants (Treating Lupus, 2012). Studies suggest that the disease is inherited genetically, but there is no known cause for SLE (Rhaman and Isenberg, 2008). Because of this, it is difficult to know how to prevent it from happening (How Can, 2008).
Literature Cited
A.D.A.M. Editorial Board. "Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors." Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Nov. 2000. Web. 01 Apr. 2012.
"How Can I Prevent Lupus?" Health Search Engine, Health Communities and Information. Healia/Meredith Corporation, 16 Dec. 2008. Web. 01 Apr. 2012.
"How Is Lupus Diagnosed." Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2012.
Rahman, Ph.D., Anisur, and David A. Isenberg, Ph.D. "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus." New England Journal of Medicine 358.22 (2008): 929-39. Print.
"Treating Lupus." Lupus Foundation of America, 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2012.