| Disease |
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS |
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| Quotation |
“Let a smile be your umbrella, because you are going to be soaked anyway” |
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| Definition |
An autoimmune disorder in which production of auto-antibodies results in multisystem disease. |
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| Prognosis |
Used ot poor, but today thanks to steroids and immuno-suppressive, 85% survive 10 years, 6% for 20 years. Infection, cardiac, renal and CNS involvement cause ultimate death. Poverty, male sex, older age, and renal involvement at the onset appear poor risk fators for prognosis |
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| General Measures |
Need emotional support Avoidance of fatigue and adequate sleep in mild cases, bed rest helps. Use sun protective screens |
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| Advice to Patient |
To be educated No nature of disease especially flares and remissions. Supervision being essential for side effects of drugs. |
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| Follow Up |
Prompt treatment of lupus flares is essential.Monthly blood counts for patients on cytotoxic drugs, and liver function test for those on methotreexate. |
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| Inadequate Response |
Addition of steroids and immuno-suppressives as indicated. |
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| Reference From |
Website: www.postgradmed.com/issues/1999/11_99/greenberg.html |
