Brief History of SLE
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
In 1851, Dr. Cazenave discovered red rashes on a patient’s face that looked like wolf bites. Then, in 1885, Sir William Osler recognised that many people with lupus had a disease involving not only the skin but many other organs or systems. He named the disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Systemic - Body systems & Organs
Lupus - Latin word for Wolf
Erythematosus - Inflammation / Redness
SLE is a chronic, auto-immune disease of unknown cause where the patient’s body makes large quantities of blood proteins called antibodies that react against the person’s own tissues.
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1. What is the biggest problem with SLE?
Symptoms of SLE may mimic the symptoms of other diseases. The main problem is that damage to the kidneys or bone marrow can go undetected until the later stages.
2. Why do doctors find it hard to diagnose SLE?
In the early stages of SLE, there may be only one or two visible symptoms causing the disease to be diagnosed after many weeks, months, or even years.
3. Why do some patients suffer only mild effects of SLE while for other patients, it could be so bad that it becomes fatal?
No one knows. Some patients produce antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in their blood. There are many types of ANA, some attack the kidneys and brain. However, whether their condition is serious or not, it is important for patients to obey their doctor and especially during flares. It is also possible that patients with milder symptoms may suffer more serious symptoms later.
4. Is there a cure for Lupus?
Presently, Lupus can only be managed, not cured. Treatment varies depending on the patient. Patients with milder symptoms like joint pain, rashes, fever and fatigue require different treatment compared with patients with more serious conditions. We are glad that there are more treatment options now than there were 20 years ago.
5. What does remission in Lupus mean?
This means there are no more flares and only minimal treatment is needed.