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SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS CAUSES |
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The cause of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is unknown. Because the
vast majority of patients are women, some research is being done to
determine what (if any) link the disease has to female hormones. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
may have a genetic basis, although more than one gene is believed to
be involved in the development of the disease. Because patients with
the disease may suddenly have worse symptoms (called a flare) after
exposure to things like sunlight, alfalfa sprouts, and certain
medications, researchers suspect that some environmental factors may
also be at work. The severity of a patient's Systemic Lupus Erythematosus varies over time. Patients may have periods with mild or no symptoms, followed by a flare. During a flare, symptoms increase in severity and new organ systems may become affected. Many Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients have fevers, fatigue, muscle pain, weakness, decreased appetite, and weight loss. The spleen and lymph nodes are often swollen and enlarged. The development of other symptoms in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus varies, depending on the organs affected. Joints. Joint pain and problems, including arthritis, are very common. About 90% of all Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients have these types of problems. Skin. A number of skin rashes may occur, including a red butterfly-shaped rash that spreads across the face. The "wings" of the butterfly appear across the cheekbones, and the "body" appears across the bridge of the nose. A discoid, or coin-shaped, rash causes red, scaly bumps on the cheeks, nose, scalp, ears, chest, back, and the tops of the arms and legs. The roof of the mouth may develop sore, irritated pits (ulcers). Hair loss is common. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients tend to be very easily sunburned (photosensitive). Lungs. Inflammation of the tissues that cover the lungs and line the chest cavity causes pleuritis, with fluid accumulating in the lungs. The patient frequently experiences coughing and shortness of breath. Heart and circulatory system. Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart causes pericarditis; inflammation of the heart itself causes myocarditis. These heart problems may result in abnormal beats (arrhythmias), difficulty pumping the blood strongly enough (heart failure), or even sudden death. Blood clots often form in the blood vessels and may lead to complications. Nervous system. Headaches, seizures, changes in personality, and confused thinking (psychosis) may occur. Kidneys. The kidneys may suffer significant destruction, with serious life-threatening effects. They may become unable to adequately filter the blood, leading to kidney failure. Gastrointestinal system. Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The lining of the abdomen may become inflamed (peritonitis). Eyes. The eyes may become red, sore, and dry. Inflammation of one of the nerves responsible for vision may cause vision problems, and blindness can result from inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) that serve the retina. |
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| SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS RELATED ITEMS | ||
