 Lupus Kourtni Giant

What is Lupus?  Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease  Occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs  Can affect many different body systems(Joints, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, lungs)  Difficult to diagnose  No cure  Treatments available to help control symptoms

Most Common Signs & Symptoms  Fatigue  Fever  Joint pain, stiffness & swelling  Butterfly shaped rash on face  Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure  Fingers & toes turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods  Shortness of breath  Chest pain  Dry eyes  Headaches, confusion, memory loss

Oral Manifestations  Xerostomia  Hyposalivation  Dysgiesia  Glossodynia  Oral eruptions & lesions (may be from toxicity)

Common meds with an impact on dental treatment  Aspirin & nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding especially if taken with a corticosteriods  Gold salts, antimalaricils, penicillamine, % cytotoxic drugs may cause leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, & severe stomatitis  Corticosteriods can cause adrenal suppresion

Dental Considerations  Infective endocarditis is a potential problem but antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended by the American Heart Association  If patient is taking coticosteriods or cytotoxins who also have leukopenia, the use of prophylactic antibiotics for periodontal & oral procedures may be considered

Dental Considerations Continued  Patients taking corticosteriods may develop significant adrenal suppression & could require supplementation, especially for surgical procedures or in cases of extreme anxiety  Abnormal bleeding due to thrombocytopenia is a potential problem so a coagulation profile with platelet count and PTT should be obtained

Treatment Plan  No specific treatment planning modifications are required  Considerations on physical disabilities related to arthritis & myalgia  Also systemic complications  Establishment & maintenance of optimal oral health are of great importance with Lupus

References  Little pages  Mayo Clinic online