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ANA (antinuclear antibodies) – nearly all lupus patients test positive
Anti-dsDNA – linked to kidney disease
Anti-Smith (anti-Sm) – highly specific for lupus
Anti-Ro/SSA, Anti-La/SSB – may also be present, especially with rash and pregnancy risks
Lupus anticoagulant / antiphospholipid antibodies – increase clotting risk
Lupus (Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues—including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Lupus can affect almost any part of the body, making it one of the most complex autoimmune diseases.
SLE causes inflammation, pain, and damage. It comes in flares (active periods) and remission (quiet periods), and no two cases are exactly alike.
Fatigue (very common and often severe)
Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
Photosensitivity (rash or flares triggered by sunlight)
Hair loss
Mouth or nose ulcers
Low-grade fever
Chest pain (when breathing deeply)
Raynaud’s phenomenon (cold fingers/toes that turn white or blue)
Kidney issues (protein in urine, swelling in legs)
Headaches, brain fog, or seizures
Because lupus affects multiple systems, symptoms can vary widely and mimic other diseases.
The exact cause is unknown, but lupus is believed to be triggered by a combination of:
Genetics – family history increases risk
Hormones – more common in women (especially during childbearing years)
Environmental triggers – infections (like Epstein-Barr), UV light, certain medications
Immune system malfunction – mistaken attacks on healthy tissues
There’s no single test for lupus. Diagnosis is based on:
Physical exam and symptom history
Blood tests:
ANA (antinuclear antibodies) – present in most lupus patients
Anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith antibodies – more specific to lupus
Low C3/C4 complement levels – suggest disease activity
Urinalysis – to check kidney involvement
Imaging – for lung or heart inflammation
Must meet clinical and immunologic criteria based on established guidelines (e.g., ACR or EULAR)
There’s no cure, but treatment can reduce symptoms and prevent damage:
NSAIDs (for pain and inflammation)
Antimalarials like hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
Corticosteroids (for flares or serious organ involvement)
Immunosuppressants (azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate)
Biologics (e.g., belimumab, rituximab)
Lifestyle changes: stress management, sun protection, and balanced diet
With proper treatment, most people live long, active lives
Disease severity varies—some have mild skin/joint symptoms, others face serious organ damage
Early diagnosis and care can dramatically improve outcomes
Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor flares and prevent complications
Affects 1.5 million people in the U.S., mostly women aged 15–45
9 out of 10 cases occur in women
More common in Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American populations
Can range from mild to life-threatening
Lupus Foundation of America. (2023). What is Lupus?
https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-lupus
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Lupus.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus
NIH – National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2022). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus
Wallace, D. J., & Hahn, B. H. (Eds.). (2019). Dubois’ Lupus Erythematosus and Related Syndromes (9th ed.). Elsevier.
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