Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ( first part ) بالانجليزية

 

              Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is complex and has a relapsing-remitting course. The disease is caused by a disturbed immune regulation that leads to an exaggerated production of auto-antibodies that attack tissue and organs throughout the body. However, even though the disease's aetiology is unknown and the processes underlying its development have not yet been identified, a number of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors can combine to induce SLE development. Both normal variations in several genes and anomalies in a single gene can affect the risk of developing SLE. Hormonal involvement in the development of SLE has been linked to older, female patients who are primarily of reproductive age. This condition may also be brought on by           a number of environmental factors, such as nutrition, stress, sunshine, chemicals exposed to the body, and viral infections. These factors result in an irreversible damage in immunological tolerance as evidenced by immune responses against endogenous nuclear antigens. 

        Lupus can cause variable manifestations, ranging from mild mucocutaneous to destructive and life-threatening illness. The most common symptoms of lupus include physical symptoms like pain, extreme fatigue, frequent unexplained fever, hair loss, osteoporosis, chest pain especially on deep breathing, sensitivity to the sun, and physical impairments that affect every aspect of their lives. Many also experience strokes, cardiovascular disease, skin rashes, rash across the cheek and nose (butterfly rash), swollen and painful joints. In psychological symptoms, such as stress, anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem, lack of self-acceptance, suicidal thoughts and hallucination are common as mental health problems among such group of patients. These symptoms are characterized by recurrent periods of exacerbations and remissions which may progress into irreversible end-organ damage. For others, there may be no visible symptoms.

     There is no known cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, however medication can help in controlling the condition. The treatment of SLE is based on the severity and symptoms of the condition; nonetheless, the primary objective is typically to decrease inflammation by means of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications. Typically, moderate cases of SLE don't need to be treated. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically used to treat arthritis. Although aspirin helps, larger dosages can be harmful to the liver. Antimalaria medication is used to treat skin and joint symptoms. Immunosuppressive medications and a high dose of prednisone must be taken right away in severe cases. Modern therapeutic approaches are authorised for the management of SLE. These include immune-ablative therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and the use of genetically modified molecules. 

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