Early detection of lupus can help in controlling it: Experts

Chennai

Lupus also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is an inflammatory disease caused when the body’s immunity attacks its own tissues. Lupus affects more women than men (9:1). Some of the common symptoms are rashes on the face and bridge of the nose (resembling a butterfly), ulcers in the mouth, loss of hair, oedema, excessive fatigue, joint pain, apart from diminished urine output.

This year, the theme for the awareness day is ‘Lupus Knows No  Boundaries’. While the exact prevalence rate is unknown, it is estimated at least a million new cases are detected annually.

Dr S Rajeswari, Director, Institute of Rheumatology, RGGGH, says that most often patients with lupus come for treatment in the advanced stages. “When diagnosed early, it can be controlled and patients can lead a fruitful life. It is a very serious illness and it affects children as well, but the worst affected are women in the reproductive age group,” she adds. At the lupus clinic in RGGGH, there are close to 400 patients, who are treated on follow up basis, apart from three to four new admissions every day.

“The campaign we have been conducting for a few years has been addressing signs and symptoms to educate general public, patients and doctors. Since a number of organs are involved, doctors need to refer them to specialists for timely treatment,” she adds. Lupus can be mistaken for other illnesses due to overlapping symptoms like breathlessness and systemic hypertension.

Dr Rajeswari adds that while a positive ANA Test alone doesn’t mean it is lupus. “We have to check for several clinical manifestations as well,” she adds. There are psychological implications as well because depression among those suffering from lupus is common. “Most of them are deserted by families and suicidal tendencies are high,” she adds. Dr Rajeswari says that awareness has been creating a positive impact. “Patient to patient interaction has been creating more awareness. Earlier the survival rate was 80 per cent, now it is 90-95 per cent,” she says.

SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS

• Fatigue and fever
• Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
• Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose
• Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure (photosensitivity) Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud’s  phenomenon)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dry eyes