SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE)

There is no curative treatment available. The goal of therapy is to decrease the autoimmune activity in the body and severity of organ damage – Therapy consists of a combination of medications, rest and patient education.
Those patients with mild symptoms need no treatment or only short courses of anti-inflammatory medications. Those with severe illness involving internal organs require high doses of steroids and other medications to suppress body immune system.
Anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used are NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. Sometimes individual response to NSAIDS may vary and different NSAIDs may be tried to find the most effective one for the patient. The most common side effects of the NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are gastritis and stomach ulcers. Hence, they are usually taken with food.
Corticosteroids are helpful when internal organs are involved. However, they have several side effects and hence are given under a doctor’s guidance with regular monitoring.
Immuno-suppressive drugs are medicines that suppress the immunity. They are used in severe diseases. All these medications can seriously depress blood cell counts and can increase risk of infection and bleeding.
Certain precautions should be taken to prevent flare or aggravation of the disease. Since UV light may precipitate flare, patients with SLE should avoid sun exposure. Sunscreen agents and full-sleeved clothing may be useful. Patients with active disease need rest during periods of active disease. Passive and prescribed exercise is important during the flares to maintain muscle tone and joint mobility.
Patients with SLE during pregnancy require close observation, as there is increased risk of miscarriages and flaring up of the disease activity. Patients who have cardiolipin antibodies or lupus anticoagulant in the blood are at increased risk of miscarriages and may require blood-thinning medications.

Thus for successful management of SLE, it requires close co-operation between the doctor and the patient.

Last updated on 15-12-2003