1. Lupus: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Elyse Leon-Reyes
Lupus LA

2. Definition: What is Lupus
Lupus is a disorder of the immune system where the body’s immune system attacks itself – hence it is an autoimmune disease (“self-immune”).
But the main problem is a failure of the immune system to regulate itself properly.
There are three kinds of lupus: systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE), discoid (cutaneous) lupus erythematosus (DLE) and drug-induced lupus.

3. What causes lupus? The cause is unknown.
Factors that may contribute to the onset of lupus include viruses, unknown environmental chemicals, sun exposure, and female hormones
Genetic predisposition is also felt to be very important

4. Who Gets Lupus? In the USA, 1 in 2000 people have lupus.
Women are 9 times more likely than men.
Lupus disproportionately affects young women during their childbearing years. African Americans, Latinos, Asians and Native Americans have a higher incidence of SLE than Caucasians more likely than Caucasians to develop the disease
First degree relatives of people with lupus are more likely to get the disease

5. Diagnosis
Symptoms
Physical Findings
Laboratory Tests

6. What are the symptoms of Lupus?
There are many different symptoms of lupus, some mild and some severe so that diagnosis may be difficult at first.
The most common are fever, fatigue, joint and muscle aches, rash, hair loss, weight loss. Other symptoms can include loss of sensation, seizures, strokes, chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness.

7. How is lupus diagnosed?
Patients must have at least 4 of 11 criteria to make the diagnosis of lupus
However, lupus may be strongly suspected without all 4 criteria
Almost all patients with lupus have a positive ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) blood test. However, you can have a positive ANA test without having lupus!

8. The criteria are: 1. Malar rash 2. Discoid rash 3. Photosensitivity
4. Oral ulcers
5. Kidney disease
6. Neurologic Disease
7. Inflammation around the lungs or heart
8. Blood disorders
9. Immunologic disorders
10. Arthritis
11. Anti-Nuclear Antibody

9. Malar Rash

10. Hair Loss

11. Photosensitivity

12. Overlapping Diseases & Syndromes
Fibromyalgia
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Raynaud’s Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scleroderma
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Vasculitis

13. What can patients do to improve their quality of life?
Exercise
Get enough rest
Eat sensibly
Don’t smoke
Avoid prolonged sunlight
Pay attention to fevers
Avoid alcohol
Know your disease
Get help if you are not sure

14. What Type of Doctor do Lupus Patients See?
Primary Care Physicians
Rheumatologists
Nephrologists
Dermatologists
Neurologists
Cardiologists
Psychiatrists

15. Economic Impact of Lupus in the United States
Several studies suggest that the average annual cost to provide medical treatment for a person with lupus is nearly $60,000.
SLE accounts for more than 77,000 hospital admissions in the U.S. each year, averaging 10 days.
Kidney dialysis, required by some people with lupus, costs more than $68,000 per patient per year in the U.S
Hip replacement surgery, which may be required as a result of the side effects of high-dose corticosteroid therapy, costs about $62,000

16. Every 30 minutes someone is diagnosed with lupus, after suffering (on average) with symptoms for 4-5 years.
Lupus is a leading cause of kidney disease, stroke and premature cardiovascular disease in young women

17. Death rates from lupus are on the rise
Death rates from lupus are on the rise. A recent report from the CDC revealed a percent upsurge in lupus deaths between 1979 and 1989.
Lupus is responsible for high percentage of the mortalities caused by rheumatic conditions.

18. What is Lupus LA?
Lupus LA, the West Coast division of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, promotes lupus research, awareness, and education, and serves the needs of people with lupus and their families in Los Angeles County.
Lupus LA partners with the Lupus Research Institute (LRI) to fund novel lupus research that will prevent, treat and cure the complex disease.

19. Fundraising for a Cure Orange Ball Bag Ladies Luncheon
Get Lucky for Lupus Poker Tournament
LA Marathon Team Life without Lupus

20. Patient Services Program
Support Groups
Patient Education Events
Peer Support
Referrals to Specialists
Benefits and Entitlements Support
ADA and IDEA Accommodations for Schools and Employers

21. Patient Services Program
Train the Trainer
Patient Navigation
Educational Materials
Emergency Grant Program
Enrichment Grant Program

22. Lupus Cooperative of Los Angeles
Launching in June 2010
Chronic disease management program
Staff based in community organizations
Case Management
Healthcare Provider Education
Public Awareness

23. 9220 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 200
QUESTIONS?
Lupus LA
9220 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 200
West Hollywood, CA 90069