I. What is systemic lupus erythematosus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease. It can be seen at any age, but is more prevalent in women of childbearing age. Patients may have multiple organ and system involvement including skin, mucous membrane, kidney, blood, heart, and nervous system, and multiple autoantibodies appear in the serum. The onset of the disease can be acute or slow, and the clinical manifestations are varied. In early mild cases, there are often only a few atypical manifestations, while in severe cases, multiple systems and organs are involved and the disease is complex.
A variety of autoantibodies can be found in the body of SLE patients
Such as anti-nuclear antibody, anti-dsDNA antibody, anti-Sm antibody, anti-DNP antibody, nucleosome antibody, membrane DNA antibody, anti-histone antibody, etc. In addition, tests such as kidney puncture and skin biopsy can sometimes play a key role in confirming the diagnosis.
III. What are the causes of SLE?
SLE is an autoimmune disease with multifactorial involvement. The occurrence of the disease is related to various factors such as genetics, environment, sex hormones and autoimmunity. It is generally believed that individuals with genetic qualities are affected by environmental, sex hormone and infection factors that cause abnormal immune function, T and B cell activation, autoantibody production, immune complex formation and tissue deposition, leading to the occurrence and progression of SLE.
IV. Biochemical treatment of SLE
The treatment principle of SLE is to evaluate the risk/effect ratio of the selected drugs and doses for patients according to the severity of their disease and organ damage, and to develop individualized treatment plans. Patients should treat the disease rationally, correctly understand the pros and cons of drug therapy and how to prevent triggering factors, and actively treat the disease. At the same time, society and family should give patients multifaceted spiritual support to help them build up confidence and patience to fight against the disease for a long time.
V. Can SLE be cured?
As long as patients with SLE are diagnosed early, receive systematic and regular treatment and avoid abusing drugs, the disease can generally be completely relieved and adapt to normal working life. Correct treatment of the disease and active cooperation with treatment are the keys to successful treatment. Regardless of whether the disease is active or in remission, long-term follow-up should be adhered to according to medical advice to avoid aggravation or relapse.
What should I pay attention to when applying glucocorticoid therapy?
Glucocorticoid (hereinafter referred to as hormone) is one of the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of SLE, and its appearance has significantly improved the remission rate and prolonged the life span of patients. Attention should be paid during the application of hormones.
VII. What are the immunosuppressive drugs commonly used in the treatment of SLE?
The combined application of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids can effectively control lupus activity, prevent visceral involvement such as renal failure, and reduce hormone dosage. It is especially necessary for patients with important organ involvement. Cyclophosphamide is currently the most widely used immunosuppressant and can be administered orally or by intravenous shock therapy depending on the condition. In addition, mycophenolate, azathioprine, cyclosporine A, methotrexate and leflunomide are other immunosuppressants that can be used to treat SLE.
Can SLE patients get pregnant?
Pregnancy may aggravate or relapse SLE, which is a great test for patients. Pregnancy can be considered for patients without severe damage to the central nervous system, kidneys and heart, and who have been in remission for at least six months, but there are still certain risks. Patients who are pregnant must be followed up regularly under the joint monitoring of a rheumatologist and obstetrician. To prevent deterioration of the disease during pregnancy and postpartum, it is advocated that patients with active lupus should not become pregnant, and that glucocorticoid dosage should be kept below 10 mg/day of prednisone for pregnancy in patients with lupus in remission and stable disease, while no immunosuppressive drugs should be used. Breastfeeding is not advocated after delivery.
What should patients with SLE pay attention to in their daily life?
SLE is a chronic disease. Patients should establish optimism and treat the disease correctly. Try to lead a regular daily life and pay attention to the combination of work and rest. Regular review and timely adjustment of treatment plan. Avoid infection, sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, fatigue, pregnancy, mental stimulation, unreasonable drugs and other factors that induce aggravation of lupus, and strive to achieve the goal of long-term remission.
Do SLE patients need to “avoid” eating?
In general, patients with SLE do not need to “avoid eating”. However, during the period of high-dose hormone application, patients should try to eat a light diet and avoid a high-salt, high-sugar and high-fat diet to reduce the occurrence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and other comorbidities. If there is renal failure, protein intake should be appropriately restricted, and high-quality protein food should be chosen and essential amino acids should be supplemented.
What factors are related to the prognosis of SLE?
With deeper understanding of its pathogenesis and increasing therapeutic means, the prognosis of SLE patients has been greatly improved, and its 5-year survival rate can reach over 90%. Common causes of death include infection, renal failure, and cardiac and central nervous system involvement. Factors affecting prognosis include the type of kidney pathology, the presence or absence of central nervous system injury, the presence or absence of hypertension, the early or late application of immunosuppressive agents, and the patient’s gender, age, race, mood, and education level. Of course, the early stage of diagnosis and treatment, and the regularity of treatment are the most important factors affecting the prognosis.