Lupus erythematosus requires regular and individualized treatment

  Lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease. With the development of immunology, the advancement of testing technology and the research of doctors on lupus, the incidence of this disease and its harmful effects in China have been gradually recognized by people. How to treat lupus erythematosus regularly has become a matter of great concern to the patients.  At present, the prevalence of lupus erythematosus is 4/10,000, with no less than 500,000 patients nationwide. Since it is caused by the abnormal function (disorder) of human immune system, the complete remission rate of the disease in the rheumatology and immunology specialty of Peking University People’s Hospital is over 95%, which means that most patients can live and work like normal people after regular treatment. However, due to the uneven level of medical technology in China, the phenomenon of misdiagnosis and mistreatment of lupus erythematosus is very serious in non-rheumatology specialties or remote areas, and many patients die because they do not receive correct treatment.  1. Immunomodulatory treatment. That is, small doses of immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and environmental protection bacteriophage A, are applied to suppress the overpowering immunity, and because of the small doses, there are usually no obvious side effects. In terms of the way the drug is used, pulse therapy is used. This way can not only suppress the activated lymphocytes, but also achieve good efficacy and reduce side effects.  2.Hormone therapy. Director Li emphasized, “I think hormone is a double-edged sword, use the right dose, correct usage and reduce the dose early. Then the late treatment effect will be good and no obvious side effects will occur; if not, the side effects of hormones will cause harm to the patient.” They commonly use small doses of hormones in combination with immunosuppressants in their treatment, and their results are better.  3. plasma replacement plus lymphocyte clearance therapy. This treatment removes the abnormal antibodies from the blood and removes the activated lymphocytes. It has immediate therapeutic effect, especially for patients with lupus erythematosus who have significantly increased antinuclear antibody and immunoglobulin in blood and more serious lupus erythematosus, this method is most effective.  4. Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, this treatment method can achieve the purpose of immune reconstruction. Throughout the above treatment methods, the selection and proper dosage of drugs are the key to successful treatment.  Patients suffering from lupus erythematosus must go to rheumatology and immunology specialists in time; to eliminate the fear; early diagnosis and correct treatment are the crucial points. In addition, adjusting medication according to medical advice, reducing ultraviolet radiation and preventing infection are the keys to control and stabilize the disease.